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Zvikomborero Parafini
A GOLD buyer lost US$30 000 in a fake gold deal to a trio who masqueraded as gold panners in Nyabira.
Paradzai Magoto bought fake gold, made from battery cells, from Tawanda Makoni and his accomplices, a Harare magistrate, Simon Kandiero, heard, yesterday.
The court heard that the trio connived to defraud Magoto and went to him masquerading as genuine miners.
They indicated to him that they were selling 1332 grams of gold.
They met him at Nyabira Shops and, acting on the misrepresentation, Magoto paid US$30 000 for the gold.
Makoni’s accomplices left with the money while he accompanied Magoto to Harare to collect the outstanding balance of US$12 000.
Along the way Makoni jumped from Magoto’s car and started running away.
Magoto gave chase and managed to take down Makoni, with the assistance of other motorists.
They took him back to the car and checked at the ‘gold’ and discovered that the ore he had paid for was fake.
Magoto filed a police report promptly.
Makoni will be back in court tomorrow where he will be joined with his accomplices who were arrested yesterday.
Thomas Chanakira prosecuted.
Online Reporter