Debit card fraudster jailed

Kimberley Chitambara, [email protected]

A Bulawayo man who was found in possession of 21 debit cards of different banks and different names has been convicted of theft and sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Caleb Murahwa (age not given) of Mpopoma suburb appeared before Bulawayo provincial magistrate, Ms Babra Phiri, on Friday facing a charge of theft and was found guilty and convicted of the charge. He was initially sentenced to 24 months imprisonment with six months suspended for five years on condition of good behavior. He will serve 18 months effective jail term.

The accused was exposed after he stole a debit card belonging to Martha Maphosa (53) of Old Luveve.
Prosecuting, Mr Mehluli Ndlovu told the court that on March 31, the accused person saw the complainant at Ecobank automatic teller machine trying to withdraw some money and seemed to be facing some difficulties.

“The accused person approached the complainant as if he wanted to assist her to withdraw the money from the automatic teller. During the act the complainant noticed that the accused person was vice versing the automatic teller card,” said Mr Ndlovu.

After the transaction was rejected the accused person swapped the cards without the complainant taking notice of the swap and he ran away prompting the complainant to be suspicious and alerted the security guard, the court heard.
“The security guard, with assistance of the mob chased after the accused and apprehended him. The accused person was searched and he was found with 21 debit cards of different banks and people,” said Mr Ndlovu.

The complainant discovered that the accused person had given her a different card belonging to Prince Mapupu.