A BUSINESSMAN linked to Kukurigo Communications has been arrested for allegedly extorting US$40 000 from WestProp while threatening to publish damaging information about the firm and its director.
Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa yesterday remanded Nominate Chazwe (42) in custody to February 13 pending bail application.
Chazwe is being accused of acting in connivance with Edmund Kudzayi, the director of Kukurigo Communications (Pvt) Ltd, who is currently at large.
WestProp Holdings is being represented by its communications manager Michael Chideme.
According to prosecutor Anesu Chirenje, the alleged extortion began in June 2024 when Chazwe and Kudzayi approached WestProp claiming to possess damaging information about the company and its managing director, Kenneth Sharpe.
They allegedly demanded US$40 000 to suppress the publication of the information.
Under pressure, the company negotiated and paid US$24 344, which was handed over to Kukurigo Communications and received by Kudzayi.
However, Chirenje said the demands allegedly continued, with Chazwe and Kudzayi pushing for additional amounts in the following months.
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The court heard that in a further attempt to extort money, Chazwe allegedly instructed the company to drop off US$1 000 at a local hotel, which was collected by an associate identified as Noah Njambi.
The final demand for U$$4 000 was made on February 8 this year prompting the complainant to report the matter to the police.
The police set a trap where Chazwe was handed over the money in the presence of the detectives.
Chazwe was immediately arrested and the US$4 000 was recovered.
