Online Reporter
Trish Mukwazo, [email protected]
A 22 YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man, who posed as an employment agent, has appeared in court facing charges of defrauding four individuals by falsely promising them jobs at hotels and restaurants in the city.
Melusi Sibanda, from Lobengula West suburb, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mrs Evia Matura yesterday, facing four counts of fraud.
He is expected to return to court on April 24.
The prosecutor, Ms Josephine Gurazhira, told the court that Sibanda misrepresented himself as an employment agent and deceived unsuspecting victims into handing over money, under false pretences.
In the first incident, Sibanda allegedly lied to Ms Mercy Mpofu, claiming he was an agent for Standard Hotel and could help her secure a job there.
He demanded US$35 as a uniform and facilitation fee. Ms Mpofu paid the amount, but neither received the job nor a refund.
In another case, Sibanda is alleged to have approached Ms Phephela Tshuma in March, claiming he had a shop available for rent in Mawabeni, Matabeleland South. He reportedly received US$274 in rental fees, once again under false pretences.
On April 3, Sibanda is said to have defrauded Ms Audrey Ndlovu, claiming he had secured her a position at Epic Restaurant.
He allegedly collected US$70 from her for uniforms, despite knowing no such job existed.
In the fourth charge, Sibanda is accused of telling Ms Yvonne Ndlovu that he had arranged a job for her as a cook at Canne Cassa Restaurant and took money from her based on this claim.
“Upon that misrepresentation, Sibanda deceived Ms Ndlovu out of her money, knowing fully well that there were no job vacancies at Canne Cassa Restaurant,” said Ms Gurazhira.
The case comes just weeks after Entumbane residents in the Zothile area, apprehended a man believed to be part of a gang offering fake employment opportunities before robbing victims of their cash and mobile phones.
The suspect was caught after two of his accomplices fled the scene, abandoning a vehicle that had reportedly run out of fuel.
The group had been luring residents with non-existent job offers, then fleecing them of their belongings.
Following the incident, several residents came forward to report similar scams, and police investigations are ongoing.
The impounded vehicle has since been taken in as evidence.
