Vongai Masuka

Two men accused of masterminding a massive counterfeit currency racket that fleeced online traders across the capital appeared at the Mbare Magistrates Court facing 71 counts of fraud.

Agrippa Chivhenge, 42, and Edious Rungano, 32, are alleged to have operated a sophisticated bait-and-switch scheme between 2021 and late 2025.

Prosecutors believe the scale of the operation is even larger than currently documented, warning that more charges are likely as further victims come forward.

According to court documents, the duo targeted individuals advertising high-value goods on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp.

Posing as genuine buyers, they allegedly met victims to purchase items such as smartphones and laptops, solar equipment and lithium batteries, poultry consignments and deep freezers.

The scam involved a high level of calculated deception.

During the transaction, the suspects would reportedly hand over genuine US dollar bills for the seller to verify.

Once the victim was satisfied, the suspects would reclaim the cash under various pretexts—such as needing to re-count or put it in an envelope, before handing back a bundle.

These bundles allegedly contained obsolete Zimbabwean bond notes or phased-out currency, cleverly concealed with a single genuine $10 or $20 bill on the outside to maintain the illusion of a legitimate payment.

The pair’s four-year run ended in December 2025 following a targeted operation by CID Braeside.

Detectives acting on a tip-off first apprehended Chivhenge at his New Marlborough home.

His subsequent statements led police to Highlands, where Rungano was taken into custody.

Investigators revealed the suspects utilized hired luxury vehicles, including Toyota Hilux and Fortuner models, to project an image of wealth and evade easy detection while moving across Harare and surrounding towns.

While several vehicles have been seized, authorities admit that the recovery of the stolen goods remains limited.

Appearing before Magistrate Denis Mangosi, the accused applied for bail through their lawyer, Stead Kachere.

The defense argued that the men were not flight risks and claimed they required medical attention for injuries allegedly sustained during their arrest.

The State, represented by Fedel Chihengere, vehemently opposed bail.

Chihengere cited the gravity of the 71 counts and indicated the State’s intention to transfer the case to a regional court or Rotten Row due to its complexity and the high number of complainants.

“The scale of these crimes is extraordinary, and the potential for interference is high,” the prosecution noted.

The case has drawn significant public attention as dozens of victims gathered outside the courthouse in a show of solidarity, with some confirming they have petitioned the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to monitor the trial to ensure transparency.

Magistrate Mangosi postponed the bail ruling to January 6, 2026.