Zimbabwe fraud fugitive cornered in Portugal

By Auther Chimbgwa

Fraud suspect and fugitive Tawanda Hairwadzi (43) has been arrested in Portugal after skipping the country nearly three years ago allegedly embezzling US$743,600 worth of fuel.

Hairwadzi faces charges of Theft of Trust Property involving more than a million litres of fuel, according to a press statement Friday by police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

“The ZRP confirms the arrest of Tawanda Hairwadzi (43) on 9 July 2025 in Portugal in connection with Theft of Trust Property,” Nyathi said.

According to police, the suspect and his wife, Shungu Mwashaireni Hairwadzi (43) owned a registered company, Eptha Energy (Private) Limited.

In August 2021, the company entered into a contract with Addax Energy (Private) Limited to supply 2 million litres of fuel to a government ministry in which Eptha Energy (Private) Limited was contracted to provide transport services only.

But during the period beginning 1 August 2021 to 30 November 2021, Addax Energy (Private) Limited released over 1 million litres of fuel to Eptha Energy (Private) Limited for delivery to the government ministry.

However, the fuel valued at US$743,600 did not reach its intended destination.

Addax Energy (Private) Limited did not receive payment for the fuel from the government ministry.

“It was discovered that Eptha Energy (Private) Limited had not delivered the fuel to the government ministry and had since closed operations,” Nyathi added.

A police report was filed in September 2022 after Hairwadzi had reportedly fled the country for Portugal.

The process of extraditing the suspect, Nyathi said, is underway through Interpol.