Chronicle Editor
Michelle Gwizi, Chronicle Reporter
AN illegal forex dealer has appeared in court for allegedly stealing $2 800 from a “client”.
Pardon Nyoni (33) from Gweru pleaded not guilty to a theft charge before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Franklin Mkhwananzi.
He was remanded in custody to April 17 for provision of a trial date.
Nyoni was denied bail because in 2016 he defaulted a court appearance.
When he was asked why he defaulted, he said he had been arrested for another theft charge.
“I was arrested on March 6 and was supposed to appear in court. I could not because l was serving from March 16 to September 29, 2017 and after that period l had no money to come to court from Gweru,” said Nyoni.
Prosecuting, Mr Nkathazo Dlodlo said on April 2 this year at around 12 noon, the complainant Ms Martha Zaranyika and her friend were approached by Nyoni in the company of his two friends.
“He insisted that he had US$800 cash to be changed to bond notes. Ms Zaranyika got into Nyoni’s car to discuss the exchange rate. They did not agree and she disembarked from the car.
“Nyoni insisted on doing the transaction and Ms Zaranyika got close to him with a paper bag that had $2 800 bond notes,” said Mr Dlodlo.
He said Nyoni opened the door of his car, snatched the paper bag with money saying “you are delaying and you know you may attract the police” and drove away.
“On April 3, police received a tip off that Nyoni resides in Gweru. They made a follow up and apprehended him,” said Mr Dlodlo.
He said Nyoni was positively identified by the complainant.
— @gwizi_n
Online Reporter