A suspected serial fraudster, Allen Thindwa Mzamu (54), who is part of a syndicate that has fleeced companies of millions of dollars through misrepresentations, is back in court facing fresh charges.

Mzamu appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Simon Kandiyero charged with fraud. He was remanded in custody pending his bail ruling.

The complainant is Mrs Sharon Tokoda (42) who is a director of ALKI International (Pvt) Ltd.

Prosecutor Mr Thomas Chanakira alleged that on June 24 2024, Mrs Tokoda originated an advertisement in WhatsApp groups to the effect that she was looking for two 34-tonne trucks to ferry sugar from Mazambuka in Zambia to Schweppes Zimbabwe.

Mzamu allegedly responded to the advert and misrepresented to her that his name was Guruve Johannes and that he represented Bullrock Transport and Logistics Limited.

He stated he had the required trucks and could ferry the sugar from the mentioned destinations.

The court heard that Mzamu was then handed over US$1 400 cash to buy fuel after he had produced an identity card bearing the name Guruve Johannes, which turned out to be fake.

The State also alleges that after receiving the money Mzamu did not perform the agreed task and became evasive.

As a result of this misrepresentation, Mrs Tokoda suffered an actual prejudice of US$1 400 and nothing was recovered.

Meanwhile, Mzamu's trial in which he is facing a R1,2 million fraud charge failed to kick off yesterday as he was applying for bail on the fresh matter in a different court.

The matter was then postponed to August 22.

Mzamu is facing three counts of fraud and one of possession of articles for criminal use.