Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Weekender Reporter
TWO Harare-based grannies were convicted of fraud after allegedly using a dead man’s altered national identity card in a bid to sell his Rusape residential stand for US$13 500.
Maria Munyonga (70) and Sekai Chirima (51), both of Ushewekunze in Harare, appeared before Rusape provincial magistrate, Mr Tendai Mahwe, facing one count of fraud under Section 136 (b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].
Unrepresented, the pair pleaded guilty.
Mr Mahwe sentenced them to 10 months in jail each, suspending six months on condition of good behaviour for the next five years.
The remaining four months were set aside on condition they perform 140 hours of community service at Southlea Park Police Station in Harare.
Prosecutor, Mrs Faith Mutukwa told the court that Modester Munganasa stumbled upon an advert for the stand on social media and made enquiries with an agent.
But when she visited the property, neighbours linked her to the late owner’s relative, who revealed the stand was not for sale.
“The complainant saw an advertisement on a WhatsApp group to the effect that Stand Number 3240, Magamba Extension, Rusape, was on sale. Munganasa called the cell number 0787009946 provided by the agent, and was answered by one Mai Tadiwa, who confirmed she was the agent, and directed her to the stand in question.
“The complainant proceeded to the stand, and enquired from neighbours, who directed her to Stella Bhasikiti, who confirmed she was the sister of the late stand owner. She indicated that the stand was not on sale,” said Ms Mutukwa.
However, some days later Munyonga contacted Munganasa, and claimed that she was the owner of the stand she had enquired about from the agent, and was selling it for US$13 500.
Munyonga, in the company of Chirima, presented a national identity card bearing Munyonga’s face and the personal details of Pheona Mukwene.
Smelling a rat, Munganasa reported the matter to the police.
“On April 19, at around 7am, Munyonga contacted Munganasa, and indicated that she was the owner of the stand she had enquired about from the agent. She said the stand was being sold for US$13 500. Munganasa and Munyonga agreed to meet in Rusape that same day. Munyonga came in the company of Chirima, whom she introduced as her sister. Munyonga produced a fake national identity card with her face, but with the particulars of the late Pheona Mukwene (50-063365-A-50), who was the real owner of the stand, together with a Rusape Town Council water bill and an approved building plan.
“Munyonga and Chirima took the complainant to the stand, which she had already verified with Stella Bhasikiti. The complainant reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of the two accused persons.
“On April 20, the national identity card was taken to the Rusape Civil Registry Office, where it was discovered that Pheona Mukwene had passed away on February 2, 2012. Detectives also proceeded to Rusape Town Council, where they were informed that the documents the two accused persons produced in respect of the stand were fake,” said Ms Mutukwa.
