Authorities charged Pei Renjian with defrauding a fellow Chinese citizen of more than $260,000 through a fraudulent mining scheme. The defendant allegedly purchased an excavator, a Toyota Hilux double-cab, and a heavy-duty generator using proceeds from the crime. Court records show that Renjian also acquired a water pump and a separation machine, worth a combined $50,000. Prosecutors claim he collaborated with fugitive Liu Jianlu to deceive the victim about possessing legitimate mining permits for Karoi's Angwa River location. Magistrates granted the accused $500 bail during yesterday's hearing.
The victim made multiple payments between April and July through various methods. Cash transactions totaling $40,000 occurred at Renjian's...