Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, Court Writer
A DEBT collector who allegedly masqueraded as a lawyer and defrauded an unsuspecting man of US$3 500 has appeared in court after frequenting Bulawayo magistrates’ courts housed at the Tredgold Building.
Simbarashe Dzingisayi, employed as a debt collector at Regent and Associates Paralegal, appeared last Friday before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Vimbayi Chirayi. Dzingisayi, from Bulawayo’s Sizinda suburb, pleaded not guilty to fraud charges and was represented by his lawyer, Mr Bruce Musamvu.
Representing the State, Mr Arnold Mudekunye told the court that in October 2019, Dzingisayi met Mr Gwinyiso Chinembiri, who faced two civil cases at the Bulawayo magistrates’ courts. He allegedly introduced himself as a lawyer employed at Cheda and Partners Law Firm and claimed he could represent Chinembiri in the civil matters.
Chinembiri reportedly fell for the ruse and enlisted his services, informing him that his cases were being heard at the Bulawayo Provincial Magistrates’ Court.“Dzingisayi allegedly charged him US$3 500, to be paid in instalments, and promised to prepare his defence, challenging the person who had dragged him to court,” said Mr Mudekunye.
When the trial commenced, Dzingisayi allegedly failed to appear, issuing apologies and claiming he was committed at the Bulawayo High Court. Chinembiri grew suspicious and confronted him at his offices, but Dzingisayi assured him everything was in order.
However, when Chinembiri returned for trial, Dzingisayi again failed to turn up, prompting Chinembiri to approach the Law Society of Zimbabwe.
“The Law Society of Zimbabwe informed him that Dzingisayi was not a registered lawyer and was, in fact, a bogus legal practitioner. Chinembiri then reported the matter to the police, leading to Dzingisayi’s arrest,” said Mr Mudekunye.
Bongani Ndlovu