Top GMAZ Executive Alvin Mparutsa in US$160K Fraud Scandal – Eduzim News

By Business Reporter-A senior executive of the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe and prominent Harare businessman, Alvin Nyaradzai Mparutsa, has been arrested for allegedly defrauding EmpowerBank of US$160,000.

Mparutsa, who is also a close associate of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s twin sons, Sean and Collins, appeared before Harare Regional Magistrate Jessie Kufa on Wednesday facing fraud charges linked to the loan facility.

According to court papers, the case stems from a May 2024 loan agreement in which Mparutsa allegedly signed an acknowledgment of debt and a formal loan contract with EmpowerBank to secure US$160,000 to support maize milling operations in the Willowvale industrial area in Harare.

Prosecutors say Mparutsa, who represents Super C Group, allegedly misrepresented ownership of several assets presented as collateral for the loan.

The assets reportedly included a Hino Ranger truck, a Volvo FL6 truck and a maize milling plant, which were submitted to the bank as security for the loan facility.

However, investigations allegedly revealed that the assets were not registered under Super C Group, but instead belonged to Classic Superfoods (Pvt) Ltd, a separate subsidiary company.

The alleged discrepancy surfaced when EmpowerBank’s recoveries officer, Itai Mutayi, attempted to attach the pledged property after the company reportedly failed to service the loan.

Prosecutors say the assets could not be legally attached because they were registered under a different company, leaving the bank unable to recover the funds.

Authorities say EmpowerBank has not recovered any of the US$160,000 allegedly obtained through the loan facility.

Magistrate Kufa granted Mparutsa bail but imposed strict conditions. He was ordered to surrender his passport, report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) every Friday, and remain at a specified address.

The matter was remanded to April 14, 2026.

The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe is the main umbrella body representing Zimbabwe’s grain milling industry, which includes companies involved in processing maize and wheat into staple food products such as maize meal and flour.

GMAZ plays a key role in Zimbabwe’s food security sector, often working with government institutions such as the Grain Marketing Board to coordinate grain imports, milling operations and national strategic grain reserves during periods of food shortages.

The association also regularly engages government on grain pricing, import permits and subsidy programmes, making it an influential player in Zimbabwe’s agriculture and food supply chain.

The case has drawn attention in business and political circles due to Mparutsa’s standing within the milling industry and his alleged connections within influential political networks.

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