Headman duped of 10 cattle in botched car deal

A 49-year-old man from Bulawayo’s Pumula suburb has appeared in court on charges of defrauding a village head of 10 head of cattle in a failed vehicle deal.

Tongai Manners Sevenzayi appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mrs Eva Matura facing charges of fraud.
Sevenzayi allegedly misled the village head into handing over the cattle after promising to secure a two-tonne truck worth US$4 000 for him.

The offence is said to have occurred in September last year.
Prosecuting, Mr Samuel Mpofu told the court that the complainant is Headman Jimmy Sibanda (76) of Vela Village in the Mangange area under Chief Hwadalala in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province.

Mr Mpofu said in September 2024, Headman Sibanda contacted Sevenzayi by phone and asked him to assist him to buy a two-tonne truck.

“Sevenzayi invited Sibanda to Bulawayo and took him to a house in Famona to view a Nissan Vanette two-tonne truck, which was parked at the premises. After viewing the vehicle, the complainant expressed interest. They verbally agreed that the headman was to provide 10 head of cattle valued at US$4 000 in exchange for the truck,” said Mr Mpofu.

However, after taking possession of the cattle, Sevenzayi reportedly became evasive.
“Upon further inquiry, the complainant discovered that the vehicle in question actually belonged to one Esnath Muchichwa and the accused had no legal right to sell it. That is when a police report was made at ZRP Guyu,” said Mr Mpofu.
Sevenzayi was remanded in custody to May 16.