Published by the government of Zimbabwe
7 January 2009
Harare — A HARARE businessman is on the run over a missing consignment of 2 000 tonnes of fertilizer worth US$414 000 belonging to a South African company.
Farai Gwekwerere (33) is wanted by police in connection with 11 counts of fraud. Police spokesperson Superintendent Andrew Phiri said sometime last year Gwekwerere connived with an alleged accomplice, identified as Raymond Phiri, to steal truckloads of fertilizer which were in transit to Zambia from a South African company, Both Logistiks.
He said the consignment had been stored at Bak Storage in Harare, awaiting transportation to Zambia.
"In unclear circumstances in 2008, the accused (Gwekwerere) was awarded a contract to transport 2 000 tonnes of Compound WDC Omnia fertilizer by road to Omnia Fertilizer Company in Mapongwe, Zambia," said Supt Phiri.
It is alleged that Gwekwerere then sub-contracted various transporters who they assigned to take 11 truckloads with 29 tonnes of fertilizer each.
Gwekwerere misrepresented to the drivers that he and Phiri were the owners of the fertilizer and advised them to take it to a farm in Zambia.
Both Logistiks later discovered that Gwekwerere had defrauded them and a report was made to the police in Harare, who are now investigating the case.
The company is offering a US$20 000 reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest of Gwekwerere.
Supt Phiri said Gwekwerere's last known address is Number 35 Chaplin Road, Greendale. According to police, Gwekwerere has a deformed eye and usually wears dark glasses.
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