Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, [email protected]
FOUR people accused of defrauding more than 200 villagers in Nkayi of US$690 through a bogus organisation allegedly linked to Elders for ED have appeared in court facing fraud charges.
Wholo Ncube (76) of Mahatshula North suburb in Bulawayo, Sophie Ncube (54) of Sebhumane area in Nkayi, Bhekumuzi Ncube (22) of Mahatshula North in Bulawayo, and Lizwe Junior Mazimuka (18) of Magwegwe West suburb in Bulawayo appeared before Nkayi Acting Resident Magistrate Mr Challenge Mahembe charged with fraud as defined in Section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
The magistrate advised the accused persons of their right to legal representation and informed them that any application for bail should be made at the Bulawayo High Court.
The quartet was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to July 9.
The court heard that the accused persons allegedly travelled to various villages in Nkayi, where they convinced community members to register with an organisation called Elders for Economic Development Trust, claiming it was affiliated with Elders for ED.
Prosecutor Mr Raymond Matunhira said the accused persons, acting with the intention to defraud villagers in Matabeleland North Province, allegedly created the pseudo-entity “Elders for Economic Development Trust”, which they falsely claimed was linked to Elders for ED and used it as a vehicle to commit fraud.
“They went in and around villages in Gwelutshena area in Nkayi and told community members that they are highly connected and if they join their organisation they will benefit a lot,” he said.
Mr Matunhira told the court that the accused persons allegedly promised villagers a range of benefits if they registered as members of the trust.
He said they claimed members would enjoy tax exemptions, free public transport, exemption from paying bills, access to Government grants, as well as assistance in the form of food hampers and clothing.
“As a result, they duped 204 Gwelutshena villagers of US$690,” said Mr Matunhira.
The alleged scheme came to light after one of the villagers became suspicious and reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of the accused persons.
Police allegedly recovered a receipt book bearing the name Elders for Economic Development Trust, as well as a membership registration book, which are expected to form part of the State’s evidence.
