50-yr-old in court for US$9 000 fraud

A BULAWAYO man, who allegedly defrauded a 50-year-old woman of more than US$9 000 in a botched housing deal, appeared in court yesterday facing fraud charges.

Isiah Ncube (age not given) of Nketa 9 suburb appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate, Mrs Dambudzo Malunga, who scheduled his next court appearance to December 31 for ruling on his application for discharge at the close of the State’s case.

Ncube was allegedly approached by the complainant, Ms Virginia Dube, after she came across an advert for a house on sale.
He allegedly convinced Ms Dube to purchase a stand and she gave him US$9 000. The woman paid US$8 000 through her bank while the remaining US$1 000 was paid in cash.

Ncube, who is a self-actor, is denying the charges. He applied for discharge at the close of the State’s case.
Prosecuting, Mr Owen Mugari said sometime in August 2017, Ms Dube saw an advertisement in the press of a house in Emganwini suburb that Ncube was purportedly selling for US$14 000.

“On the same day, Ms Dube called the number appearing on the advert, and she spoke to a man who introduced himself as an estate agent of the house. On August 4, 2017, Ms Dube went to view the house in the company of the agent,” said Mr Mugari.
The court heard that Ms Dube expressed interest in the house and the agent took her to Ncube’s place of residence.

“Ncube was then introduced as the owner of the house. Ncube agreed to sell the house for US$14 000. Ms Dube proceeded to Agribank where she deposited US$8 000 towards the purchase of the house and gave the accused US$1 000 in cash,” said Mr Mugari.

An agreement of sale was drafted by Ncube between him and Ms Dube, the court heard.

In her testimony, Ms Ncube told the court that the accused forged documents. She further alleged that Ncube was part of a syndicate involved in defrauding unsuspecting homeseekers.