By A Correspondent | Masvingo, Zimbabwe – A daring fraudster has vanished into thin air after allegedly swindling unsuspecting residents out of a staggering US$48,750 in a sophisticated car import scam.

Police in Masvingo have launched a manhunt for Tinashe Tabarembengo (36), who is accused of posing as an agent for the popular Japanese car export company, Be Forward, before disappearing without a trace.

A Well-Orchestrated Deception

Between February 2024 and December 2024, at least ten victims reportedly entrusted their hard-earned cash to Tabarembengo, believing he would facilitate the purchase and importation of their dream vehicles. Instead, he pocketed the money and fed them empty promises—until one day, he simply vanished.

Sources close to the victims say he maintained an air of professionalism, providing fake receipts and transaction confirmations, luring his victims deeper into the scam. However, as months passed without a single car delivered, panic set in. By the time the victims realized they had been duped, Tabarembengo had already fled to an unknown destination.

Police on High Alert

Masvingo police confirmed the incident in a statement, warning residents to exercise extreme caution when dealing with car import agents.

“We are urging members of the public to only engage reputable organizations when importing vehicles. Fraudsters are on the prowl, preying on people’s desperation for affordable cars. Anyone with information on Tabarembengo’s whereabouts should report to the nearest police station immediately,” the statement read.

A Calculated Escape

Details of how Tabarembengo managed to evade authorities remain unclear, but speculation is rife that he may have fled the province—or even the country. With nearly $50,000 in stolen funds, his disappearance has left his victims devastated and in financial ruin.

One of the victims, who had entrusted him with $6,000 for a Toyota Wish, expressed his frustration:

“He was so convincing! He had all the paperwork and even showed us supposed ‘orders’ he had made for other customers. I never imagined he would just disappear with all our money.”

Manhunt Underway

With authorities intensifying their search, law enforcement is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious dealings involving vehicle imports.

As the hunt for Masvingo’s most wanted fraudster continues, the question remains: where is Tinashe Tabarembengo—and will justice be served?