adminLeonard Ncube Court Reporter
AN attempt to raise money for Christmas goodies through fraudulent means backfired for a Bulawayo man after he was arrested for allegedly defrauding a vendor of $1,600 claiming he was a Zimra official. Magistrate Crispen Mberewere heard how Gracious Sithole, 45, of Nkulumane 5, masquerading as a Zimra clearing agent, duped Musa Ndlovu from the same suburb into believing that he could help him register his vehicle locally.
Ndlovu, 31, bought a car from Botswana and wanted it registered locally.
Sithole was not asked to plead to fraud and was remanded out of custody to January 10, on $100 bail.
Prosecuting, Caroline Matanga told how on December 10, Sithole approached Ndlovu who operates a flea market along Herbert Chitepo Street.
It is said that Sithole demanded $1,600 and was given $1,400 and a Botswana vehicle registration book, a temporary import permit and a Botswana police clearance.
The court heard that Sithole promised to complete the paperwork within four days.
Sithole was given a further $200 four days later saying it was for processing of Zimbabwe number plates.
After that, Sithole allegedly blocked Ndlovu’s calls and was not reachable on his mobile phone until December 27, when, with the aid of the police, he phoned him using a different number which he picked.
Sithole was subsequently arrested.
Online Reporter