Center News Hub
Masvingo,- A local aspiring Zanu PF legislator for Masvingo Urban constituency, James Pande, has publicly denied allegations that he swindled a foreign investor in a mining deal, claiming the investor’s accusations are unfounded and urging media outlets to present both sides of the story.
James Pande, a businessman born and bred in Masvingo Urban posted on his Facebook account on Friday in a statement that he describes as part of his effort to present “every story” from multiple perspectives.
In the post, Pande identifies Hayden Peter Warszewski, an Australian national, as a “fraudster” who allegedly deceived his company of USD 500,000 by falsely claiming ownership of antimony mines in Kwekwe and Mberengwa and by promising to deliver product that never materialized.
According to Pande’s account, Warszewski never delivered any antimony and instead spent the funds traveling abroad, including holidays in Thailand, and associating with several women.
Pande also alleges that Warszewski had been defrauding various customers claiming a production capacity of 5,000 tones of antimony per week.
The aspiring legislator further recounts an incident in which Warszewski allegedly claimed to have been kidnapped.
Pande said he encountered Warszewski and his girlfriend at Antelope Park, where they had what he describes as a “very successful conversation” in which Warszewski pledged to repay the money within seven days.
Pande characterized the kidnapping claim as implausible, noting that Antelope Park is a highly secured area with cameras and security.
In the post, Pande also urged the media to remain professional and to consider both sides of the story before publishing news, saying that those seeking to tarnish his image are attempting to cover up criminal activity.
In a Further follow up by Center News Hub, Pande said he is not on run and is conducting his usual business at his Harare offices.
At the moment there has been no confirmation from Midlands Police on the kidnapping claim or the alleged fraudulent conduct.
