Harare | Bell Petroleum Pvt Ltd and its director appeared in court accused of swindling a client out of $95,502 in a failed fuel transaction. Daniel Guzha, the director, faced fraud charges in front of Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi and was granted bail of $500.
The business relationship between the complainant and the accused traces back to 2022 when the complainant regularly purchased bulk fuel from the accused. Typically, the complainant paid upfront, and the fuel was delivered within agreed timelines, albeit sometimes with delays.
On March 19, 2024, the complainant required 40,000 liters of diesel and contacted Guzha, who quoted $60,000. The complainant made two transfers totaling $50,000 and paid an additional $10,000 in cash to Guzha. Despite acknowledging receipt of $40,000, Bell Petroleum only delivered 20,000 liters and assured the remainder would follow.
Subsequently, on March 22, 2024, the complainant paid $57,000 to Bell Petroleum’s Ecobank account, reducing the outstanding balance to $64,405. Another delivery of 20,000 liters was made on March 28, further reducing the balance.
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Guzha proposed a reduced price of $1.28 per liter if the complainant purchased over 80,000 liters. The complainant then paid $140,000 for 120,000 liters, including the remaining balance from the previous purchase. Guzha acknowledged receipt of the payment but only delivered 49,987 liters, promising the rest later. Despite repeated follow-ups, Guzha evaded the complainant and offered various excuses.
The fraud came to light when the complainant realized she hadn’t been credited for the fuel she had paid for, despite having proof of payment and delivery notes. Upon investigation, it was found that Guzha possessed forged delivery notes, falsely indicating receipt of fuel.
Consequently, the complainant suffered an actual loss of $95,502, with no recovery made.
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