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Court Reporter
A Waterfalls, Harare, man who reportedly masqueraded as a police detective stationed at CID Vehicle Theft Department in Southerton allegedly duped unsuspecting motorists of money on the pretext of offering them assistance. Brighton Magoto (40) appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe yesterday facing extortion charges and was remanded to April 14 on US$100 bail.
Mr Mahwe ordered him to report once every Friday at CID Vehicle Theft Squad, not to interfere with investigations and to reside at the given address as part of his bail conditions.
Prosecutor Mr Farai Gatsi alleged that on March 11, the complainant. Elias Gwatidzo. had his BMW impounded by detectives from Vehicle Theft Squad after it was found did not have proper registration.
The court heard that Gwatidzo was referred to Magoto for assistance by his friend Joseph Matemba.
It is alleged that Magoto lied to Gwatidzo that he was a detective and could facilitate the release of his impounded car.
He demanded US$1 500 and Gwatidzo managed to raise US$200 the same day.
Gwatidzo was later told that Magoto had managed to convince “his Officer-in-Charge” to reduce the charge to US$900.
On March 12, Gwatidzo allegedly met Magoto at a food outlet along Simon Mazorodze Road where he was given another US$700.
Gwatidzo later discovered that Magoto was not a police detective after he failed to secure the release of the vehicle and reported him to the police.
Online Reporter