adminTimoth Makohliso Midlands Reporter
ZANU-PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Cde Rugare Gumbo lost $4,000 to a conman in Gweru who tricked him in a deal involving an excavator spare parts. Charles Michael Karimbura, 53, of Senga Area 2, who was facing a charge of fraud, was yesterday sentenced to a suspended 12-month in prison by Gweru magistrate, Judith Taruvinga.
Four months were suspended on condition of good behaviour while the remaining eight months were suspended on condition that Karimbura pays a restitution of $4,000 to Cde Gumbo.
For the state Daniel Tafuma told the court that sometime during the month of August Cde Gumbo was looking for spare parts for his excavator.
The court heard that Cde Gumbo started looking for quotations of the spare parts and at one point he was quoted $7,000 for spares by a man identified only as Bosha.
While in the process of looking for quotations, Cde Gumbo was approached by Karimbura, who offered a lower price for the same spares as he quoted them at $4,000.
Cde Gumbo agreed to the price.
On August 3, Cde Gumbo, whose offices are at Shell Ranch Service Station in Gweru, gave Karimbura $4,000 for the spares.
Karimbura signed for the money and promised to bring the items within a week.
The court heard that the agreed time of a week lapsed and nothing was delivered.
When Cde Gumbo contacted Karimbura for an update, the man started giving several contradicting statements.
Karimbura’s reaction prompted Cde Gumbo to report the matter to the police leading to his arrest.
Police investigations revealed that Karimbura had converted the money to his own use.
Online Reporter