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TWO conmen, who duped a Bulawayo woman in a brazen “found money” scam have finally paid the price — landing behind bars after their trickery blew up in their faces.
Gerald Tendekai Chimpanga (30) and Munyaradzi Nkuruso (31), both from Tshabalala, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Vimbai Chirai, where they pleaded guilty to fraud.
Magistrate Chirai handed each a 12-month jail sentence. Four months were suspended for five years, three months suspended on condition they repay the complainant US$150, and the remaining five months suspended provided they complete 175 hours of community service.
State prosecutor Arnold Mudekunye told the court that the drama unfolded on December 11, 2025, at around 1 PM along 10th Avenue between Fort Street and Herbert Chitepo.
The victim, Beauty Nkomo, was minding her own business when she saw Nkuruso “accidentally” drop a roll of cash.
That’s when Chimpanga pounced — picking it up and striking up a conversation with her.
Moments later, Nkuruso returned, demanding his “lost money.” Chimpanga played dumb while Nkuruso pretended to search for it — all part of a well-rehearsed scam.
The pair then spun a tempting story, convincing Nkomo they had US$4 200 to share — but only if she could show trust.
Hooked by the promise of easy money, Nkomo handed over her Huawei Nova 9 cellphone, which had US$300 inside, in exchange for the supposed cash.
But in a flash, the duo vanished! Left alone, Nkomo discovered the “cash” was nothing but a single US$1 note wrapped in old newspapers. Shocked, she rushed to the police.
In January 2026, luck ran out for the conmen when they were spotted in town and arrested.
Police recovered the fake cash and Nkomo’s phone from a buyer who had unknowingly purchased it.
The total value stolen was US$750, with US$450 recovered.
derick.khumalo