Fake CIO and Gold Dealer Dragged to Court?

Gweru - A man accused of impersonating a Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) operative and orchestrating a fraudulent gold deal, Severino Rufura, on 28 January 2026 appeared before Gweru Magistrate, Blessing Makaripe, facing charges of criminal impersonation and fraud. He pleaded not guilty.

Severino Rufura, also allegedly registered a false name, Daniel Chovo, at a police station following his arrest.

The State alleges that Rufura falsely portrayed himself as a CIO operative to instill fear and legitimacy while purporting to sell gold to the complainant, Willmore Mahachi. 

Prosecutor Melody Kavenga told the court that the accused, who is of no fixed abode, claimed to be involved in covert gold dealings and promised to supply gold.

The transaction, however, reportedly collapsed when Mahachi demanded to see the gold.

Rufura allegedly failed to produce it, triggering suspicion. Further investigations, the State said, revealed that the accused was neither a CIO operative nor a licensed gold dealer.

During a heated cross-examination of the fourth state witness, Milton Shuro, Rufura vigorously challenged the testimony, accusing the witness of inconsistency and selective recollection.

“I am asking you this because what you are saying today must be weighed against what we are testifying before this Honourable Court,” Rufura said adding, “yet we are confronted with inconsistencies in what you claim to have identified, and you are merely asserting yourself.”

He disputed claims that he had an obligation to show the gold, arguing that negotiations had not reached that stage.

“I disagreed with the price. There was no reason for me to sell or even show the so-called buyer my gold when we had not agreed. I was entitled to seek a better deal," he said.

Rufura further denied allegations that he impersonated an officer of the President's office, instead shifting blame to Mahachi.

“Confirm again that upon my refusal, it was your buyer, Mahachi,  who called armed people to surround the vehicle.

“What would be your comment to this court?” He said.

He also rejected claims that he invoked security connections.

“I never said I am a state security agent officer, there was no need. In actual fact,  its Mahachi  who said I know people in intelligence or the police,” Rufura told the court.

“Those words were uttered by the purported buyer, Mahachi, after I refused to proceed and show the gold,” he said.

In paraphrased submissions, Rufura maintained that his refusal to continue with the deal amounted to an exercise of his constitutional right and not evidence of fraud.

He argued that no reasonable person would be forced to sell gold at an unfavourable price in a hostile environment.

The State, however, dismissed his defence as weak, arguing that his version was riddled with contradictions, particularly regarding when and how he came to know the complainant.

Prosecutor Kavinga urged to the court to convict, saying the inconsistencies were of “no probative value.”

The matter was remanded to Monday, 2 February 2026, for continuation of trial.

Authorities have reiterated warnings to the public to verify the credentials of individuals claiming to represent security agencies and to engage only licensed gold dealers with proper documentation.

The matter remains before the court.