HARARE, Zimbabwe — Police are investigating Wafaya (Private) Limited after the company allegedly defrauded a local wholesaler of $112,000 through a money-laundering scheme, authorities said Wednesday.
Wa-faya is a voucher facility launched by Simbisa Brands, allowing people in the diaspora to send digital vouchers redeemable at Chicken Inn, Pizza Inn, Nando’s, Steers and other Simbisa restaurants across Africa.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police said Wafaya had also contracted with a local wholesaler, where customers could use the vouchers to collect goods. But investigators allege the company failed to deposit the cash equivalent into the wholesaler’s account despite goods being collected.
Police said Wafaya owner Spencer Valentines Meares, 42, allegedly used different names to collect goods and has since been arrested in connection with the case.
