Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
WHEN cops connive!
A Bulawayo police officer is reeling in shock after being duped by his fellow officer in a dodgy car deal that left him US$2 200 poorer and still walking.
Tichaona Marufu (35), a police officer who allegedly posed as a car dealer, appeared before Magistrate Evia Matura, facing fraud charges after allegedly scamming his colleague Nicholas Mbwende (35) of his hard-earned cash.
According to court papers, Mbwende, who is stationed at Pumula Police Station, had approached an acquaintance Kudakwashe Chidhakwa expressing his desire to buy a Honda Fit.
Chidhakwa wasted no time and connected him to Marufu, who confidently posed as a legit car dealer. The badge on his chest gave no reason for Mbwende to doubt him.
“He showed me pictures of a blue Honda Fit on his phone. Since he’s a cop like me, I trusted him. I didn’t think one of our own would rob me,” said Mbwende in his statement.
Marufu allegedly told Mbwende the car would cost US$2 200. Without hesitation, the unsuspecting officer paid US$2 000 upfront, promising to settle the balance later.
Days later, Marufu and Chidhakwa came knocking again, this time demanding the remaining amount. Mbwende gave them US$120 cash and US$80 via EcoCash, bringing the total to US$2 200.
Marufu then made the big promise:
“I’ll deliver the car soon.”
But soon turned into silence.
Mbwende’s calls went unanswered for over a month, and that’s when the bitter truth hit, he had been duped by his own colleague.
He reported the matter, and Marufu was arrested.
Marufu pleaded not guilty and was granted US$200 bail. He was ordered to reside at his given address, not interfere with witnesses, and report to Donnington Police Station every two weeks.
He returns to court on 21 May.
Trust no one — not even your workmate in uniform!
Read more about cops behaving badly in next week’s explosive B-Metro!
Mathew Masinge