Popular Zimbabwean hip-hop artist Alishias Musimbe, widely known as Maskiri, has been arrested following a police sting operation in Chitungwiza for allegedly defrauding a US-based buyer of US$1,500 in a failed goat delivery deal.

The rapper, who recently expanded his activities to include goat farming and has been advertising what he calls imported Boer Kalahari Red breeds on social media, faces charges of fraud.

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the complainant, Tonderai Chisoro, who is based in the United States, engaged the musician online for the purchase of the specialized goats.

Chisoro reportedly transferred US$1,500 to Maskiri in three separate transactions via Mukuru, with the understanding that the livestock would be delivered to his family in Zimbabwe.

Following the full payment, Maskiri allegedly became evasive and failed to hand over the imported Boer Kalahari Red goats.

The buyer subsequently lodged a formal complaint with the ZRP.

Police officers launched an operation which resulted in Maskiri’s arrest in Chitungwiza earlier this morning.