Published by the government of Zimbabwe
3 July 2009
Harare — A greedy extortionist ran out of luck when he upped his demands, seeking to wring another US$25 000 from a Harare businessman after he had already extorted US$11 000.
The businessman, faced with threats of having his shop burnt down and notifying the police of his criminal activities, gave himself up to the police. A trap was laid and Mwandani Maurawa (37) of Sunningdale 2 was arrested.
Maurawa has appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Jackie Munyonga, facing extortion charges.
Maurawa allegedly extorted US$11 000 from the owner of Walktall Shops, Mr Nelesh Gulab, on two occasions between April 1 and June 26 this year.
He was not asked to plead to extortion charges when he appeared before Mrs Munyonga who remanded him in custody to July 13.
Prosecutor, Miss Tinashe Kanyemba alleges that the offence was committed on three separate occasions between April 1 and June 26 this year at a hotel in Harare.
It is the State's case that Maurawa phoned Mr Gulab threatening to expose his alleged involvement in an undisclosed illegal activity before they arranged to meet at the hotel.
Maurawa met Mr Gulab in the company of his friend, Acknos Chimanikire, who is still at large.
While at the hotel, the two demanded US$5 000 from Mr Gulab to "cover up the offences".
Mr Gulab paid the money and the two promised never to bother him again.
But 11 days later, the two again phoned Mr Gulab demanding US$6 000 more, which the businessman paid.
As if that was not enough, on June 26, the two threatened to burn down one of Mr Gulab's shops while insisting that they still wanted to expose the businessman.
Mr Gulab made a police report and a trap was set.
Maurawa was arrested in a trap while allegedly demanding the US$25 000 while detectives were listening.
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