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A CHIKANGA woman is in police custody after she allegedly defrauded several unsuspecting women in Mutare who were desperately in need of money from the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development’s Women Development Fund.
Juliana Tinonesana Sithole was scheduled to appear in court this week facing fraud charges. Police were yet to get finer details of the matter when The Manica Post contacted the Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Inspector Enock Chishiri on Wednesday.
According to the Ministry’s Manicaland provincial head, Ms Chido Tsinakwadi, Tinonesana swindled several women of money ranging from $50 to $200 to facilitate the disbursement of Women Development Funds which is financial assistance from the Government for women to undertake income generating projects.
“About two months ago we called for project proposals from women who wanted funds for income generating projects.
“Several women expressed interest in it and we gave them forms to fill and we learnt that Juliana photocopied several copies and gave people some forms in exchange for money. She assured several women that she would facilitate the funds with my help. She assured them that the funds would be disbursed soon. She made people believe that we were working together,” she said.
Juliana allegedly told people to open bank accounts at POSB assuring her victims that the funds would be deposited into their accounts soon. Ms Tsinakwadi said she smelled a rat when several people started storming her office asking for updates.
“Sensing danger, I reported the matter to the CID Mutare and they caught up with her at a local restaurant (name supplied) where she reportedly conducted her business,” she said.
When interviewed by The Manica Post Julian denied using Ms Tsinakwadi’s name saying her operations were above board. She said she formed a group called Igwe Fashions, an entity they intended to invest the money on with two other women.
Online Reporter