Businessman loses $30,000 to con artist duo

Thandeka Moyo Chronicle Reporter
A Congolese man reportedly conned a Bulawayo businessman of $30,000 after swopping an envelope containing cash with one full of foil paper. Basil Akomo Engambe, 29, who resided at a local lodge at the time the crime was committed on August 21, allegedly teamed up with Bekithemba Moyo who is at large and approached Collen Zulu requesting for assistance to start a business.

Engambe who can hardly speak English appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Gladmore Mushove on Friday facing a fraud charge and was remanded in custody to October 15.

The court heard that after committing the alleged offence, Engambe fled Bulawayo and was arrested last week in Mutare where he was found in possession of bunches of foil paper which he had cut to banknote size.

The state led by Dennmore Kasenza alleges that on a date unknown to him but during the month of May, Engambe and Moyo went to Zulu’s home.  Moyo introduced Engambe as his personal friend. “On August 21 the two men indicated that they were seriously in need of $30, 000 to import Japanese vehicles and start their business. They also convinced Zulu that they had a South African account with R330, 000 which they would transfer to his account as payment,” said Kasenza.

He said Zulu withdrew $20, 000 from a bank, added $10, 000 and notified the duo.
“They went to his home and found Zulu in the company of his brother. In a spare bedroom; Zulu produced the $30,000. Engambe took the money and put it in a brown envelope, which he sealed with sellotape,” he said.

“Moyo lured Zulu’s brother outside the house leaving Engambe with Zulu. Engambe then asked for water and while Zulu was fetching him water, he swapped the envelopes and placed a similar sealed envelope full of papers shaped like money.”

Kasenza said the men were then escorted out of the home and they agreed to return and collect the cash after transferring their rands into Zulu’s account.  The brothers only discovered they had been left with worthless paper after the duo had left.  “The two men disappeared. Engambe was arrested on September 30 in Mutare and Moyo is still at large,” said Kasenza.