By Joseph Ndunda
Two Tanzanian men, Marijani Salimu Msemo and Abraham Mollel, are set to remain in custody at Muthaiga police station for 14 days as investigations proceed into a fraud case involving Sh1.8 million. The men are accused of swindling a Kilifi businessman, Yasir Said Swaleh, by falsely claiming they could deliver 315 goats.
The alleged scam occurred on July 1, 2024, when Msemo and Mollel convinced Swaleh that they could supply goats for slaughter at a Kitengela facility in Kajiado County. The suspects promised goats weighing approximately 8.5 kilograms each, with a projected market value of Sh5,500 per animal. However, they failed to deliver any goats.
Swaleh, owner of Bahamed General Trading Limited—engaged in livestock sourcing and meat export to Dubai—transferred funds in several amounts to Msemo’s account at NMB Bank of Tanzania via an agent in Namanga town. After realizing the scam, he reported the incident to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and provided bank transaction details.
Inspector of Police Nickson Kiunga sought and obtained court orders to detain the suspects while gathering further evidence, including bank statements and account opening details from NMB Bank. The suspects, who had fled back to Tanzania, were arrested by DCI officers in Namanga on October 25.
Senior Principal Magistrate Agnes Mwangi has scheduled the next court appearance for November 13, where a decision will be made regarding potential charges against Msemo and Mollel.