Local logistics dealer ‘dupes’ SA firm

A local logistics services dealer, Krispen Pike, has been accused of duping a South African firm of US$12,000, an amount that remains outstanding long after agreed payment deadlines elapsed.

The South Africa–based company, Calgen Logistics, told NewZimbabwe.com this week that in September 2025, Pike, trading through his company Imperial Logistics, contracted the firm to transport chrome ore from Zvishavane to South Africa.

According to Calgen Logistics, the initial agreement required Pike to pay 80% of the transport fee at the point of loading, with the remaining 20% payable upon offloading in South Africa.

However, the company said Pike failed to honour the agreed payment structure.

“However, he told us that he had experienced a challenge on settling the payment as agreed just after loading. We then agreed that he would pay the full 100% on offloading in South Africa, but that never happened from then up to now,” the firm said.

Calgen Logistics alleges that since then, Pike has made repeated promises to settle the debt, but no meaningful payment has materialised.

Contacted for comment, Pike acknowledged the existence of the debt, insisting that a payment plan had since been agreed between the parties.

A document seen by NewZimbabwe.com reads in part, “Imperial Logistics agree to a payment plan to clear off outstanding debts owed to Calgen Logistics. A payment of US$1 000 will be made by Imperial Chrome to Calgen Logistics by no later than 16th of January. An amount of US$2 000 will be paid every month from February 2026 until the balance is cleared. This amount of US$2 000 will be paid by no later than the 25th of each month.”

However, Calgen Logistics disputes Pike’s claims, alleging that the payment plan has not been honoured, with no payments made in line with the agreed schedule.

The firm said it is now considering further action to recover the outstanding amount.