Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
A HWANGE man who allegedly duped a chicken seller out of US$35 after falsely claiming he had a US$50 note at his home has been jailed for fraud.
Innocent Mwale, also known as Obodo (39), of E26 Madumabisa, Hwange, pleaded guilty to fraud as defined in Section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].
He was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment, with six months conditionally suspended for five years. A further two months were suspended on condition that he restitutes the complainant, Ms
Ropafadzo Machenjedze, US$35 by October 11, leaving him with an effective six-month prison term.
The court heard that Mwale was known in the community for his involvement in criminal activities.
Prosecutor Ms Jamesina Erica Makanza told the court that on September 3 at about 7pm, Mwale approached Ms Machenjedze (34) at her home in Railways, Hwange, and ordered two broiler chickens valued at US$15.
Mwale allegedly told Ms Machenjedze that he had a US$50 note at his home and requested US$35 in change.
Believing that he would return with the money, Ms Machenjedze handed over the cash.
The court heard that Mwale then went to a house near the National Railways of Zimbabwe surgery, pretending to collect the note, but allegedly slipped out through the back door and disappeared.
Realising she had been deceived, Ms Machenjedze reported the matter to the police, leading to Mwale’s arrest.
The court heard that nothing was recovered and the complainant suffered prejudice amounting to US$35.
