Perfectman Dhafete, a 31-year-old male residing at house number 32 Claredon Circle BelvedereHarare, was arrested by the Southern Africa Regional Anti-Corruption Organisation (SARACO) for allegedly scamming victims by falsely claiming to drill boreholes for $350 under a program endorsed by President ED Munangagwa and ZCC Church leader Samuel Mutendi. Dhafete faces charges including Contravening Section 137 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9.23, Theft by False Pretenses, Fraud, and False Advertising.
The scam involved deception, misrepresentation, and embezzlement. Dhafete falsely claimed affiliation with the President and Bishop Samuel Mutendi and pretended to offer borehole drilling services under a non-existent program, taking money from victims without providing services. Complainants Clapperton Mucheki and Rosemary Chakacha reported losing money to Dhafete and another accused person, Susan Sibanda, who remains at large .
Dhafete was apprehended by SARACO at Harare Gardens and admitted to collecting money from the complainants. He appeared before a Harare Magistrate and was granted $80 bail, with his next court appearance scheduled for October 24, 2024 .
Fraud and corruption cases like this are common, with studies showing that fraud and bribery account for 76% of lead charges in corruption convictions . To prevent such cases, experts recommend transparency in contract award .
