Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Post Reporter
A POLICE officer stationed in Rusape appeared before the Mutare Magistrates’ Court on fraud charges and was granted US$100 bail.
The accused, Pardon Bengura, appeared before magistrate Mrs Annie Ndiraya facing two counts, namely fraud and failure to account for goods as defined under the Customs and Excise Control Act (Chapter 23:03).
According to the State, prosecutor Mr Chris Manyuku, the fraud charge arose from an incident that occurred in September 2025, when Bengura allegedly misrepresented to the complainant that he was selling her a Honda Fit GD1 for US$3 500.
The vehicle, black in colour and without registration plates, was shown to the complainant at the accused’s place of residence.
The court heard that Bengura claimed the vehicle was fully registered and that the registration book and number plates were in Harare and would be collected shortly.
The complainant paid US$1 800 in cash and deposited the balance of US$1 530 into a Stanbic Bank account, and an agreement of sale was signed, prompting the complainant took possession of the vehicle.
On October 2, 2025, after failing to obtain the registration documents, the complainant was directed to collect them from an unidentified person at Penhalonga rank in Mutare.
Upon inspection, the registration book and plates supplied did not match the physical particulars of the vehicle, raising suspicion.
Investigations revealed that the vehicle was not registered with the Central Vehicle Registry, and that the registration book supplied was forged.
The complainant reported the matter to ZRP Mutare Central on January 20, 2026, leading to Bengura’s arrest and the recovery of the vehicle.
On the second count, Bengura failed to produce importation papers for the vehicle, raising suspicion that it was smuggled into the country.
The matter was postponed to February 10, 2026 for continuation of trial.
