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Peter Matika, [email protected]

A 42-year-old Bulawayo man has been arrested after being on the run for five years, over a scam that saw him allegedly defrauding at least 19 individuals of forex.

Elliot Mharadze reportedly promised that his company, Exceed Construction Private Limited, could acquire and develop stands into houses, taking payments from complainants, but failing to provide the promised properties.

Following the complaints, the police launched a manhunt, which led to his arrest on Sunday evening.

Police confirmed the arrest of Mharadze, saying he had allegedly defrauded the 19 individuals of US$108 005, R1 286 208 and $13 700 in the botched deals.

Mharadze was arrested by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Commercial Crimes Division Southern Region on Sunday evening, at Nkulumane Complex, following a tip off from members of the public.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube, said Mharadze flawlessly carried out his scam from April 2018 to August 2021.

“Mharadze lured 19 unsuspecting Bulawayo residents, on the pretext that his company was in a position to acquire and develop stands into houses. Police findings indicate that Exceed Construction Private Limited sold some of its housing stands to two or more complainants.

“The accused was paid varying amounts by the complainants for the stands to be developed into houses, but failed to provide the promised properties as agreed on the agreements of sale between the accused company and the complainants,” said Insp Ncube.

He said the complainants then reported the matter to the police, who in turn launched an investigation.

“Upon receiving information to the effect that the complainants had made police reports, Mharadze disappeared. Police managed to apprehend one of Mharadze’s employees, Kwanele Ndlovu, who was then taken to court as a company representative,” said Insp Ncube.

He said a manhunt was launched, which eventually led to his arrest on Sunday.

“The accused is facing charges in his individual capacity and as a company. Out of the 19 complainants, Mharadze only delivered one housing stand, valued at US$5 000,” Insp Ncube said.

While police investigations are ongoing, members of the public who may have been scammed by Mharadze have been urged to report to the Commercial Crimes Division.

“We also want to appreciate members of the public, including victims, for being patient and working with the police to apprehend the fugitive who has been on the wanted person list for close to five years,” said Insp Ncube.