Mazoe Export Fraud: UK-Based Director in Court Over $22k Schweppes Prejudiced

HARARE — A 33-year-old managing director of a UK-based logistics firm has appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court following a sophisticated "export misrepresentation" scheme that allegedly cost Schweppes Zimbabwe over US$22,000. Tatenda Masawi, the director of MSTATZ Private Limited, appeared before Magistrate Ruth Moyo over the weekend to face charges of theft and fraud.

The prosecution’s case hinges on a significant price difference between Schweppes’ domestic and export markets. Masawi reportedly inquired about 1,750 cases of Mazoe Orange Crush, receiving two quotes:

• Local Market Price: US$36,750

• Export Market Price: US$21,205

By claiming the consignment was destined for the United Kingdom, Masawi secured the lower export price, paying US$21,205 on January 31.

The alleged fraud involved a logistical "vanishing act." On February 14, the consignment was inspected and cleared by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) at the Schweppes premises. It was loaded onto a Mozambique-registered truck, supposedly bound for Forbes Border Post in Mutare. However, investigators allege the shipment never reached the border. Instead, the Zimra seal was reportedly broken in Harare shortly after leaving the plant, and the 1,750 cases of Mazoe were diverted back into the local market.

The matter was flagged when the truck failed to register at Forbes Border Post. The financial fallout for Schweppes Zimbabwe, represented by Senior Loss Control Officer Admire Nhenderere, is substantial:

• Actual Loss (Price Difference): US$14,915

• Zimra Penalties: US$7,478

• Total Prejudice: US$22,399.95

To date, none of the products has been recovered. Authorities have seized Masawi’s mobile phone for forensic analysis to determine the destination of the diverted goods and identify potential accomplices.

Schweppes Zimbabwe Mazoe fraud case