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Lovemore Meya Court Reporter
A Noritash Apostolic Church member allegedly swindled fellow congregants of US$802 after claiming to have been sent by the President’s Office with an offer of residential stands for them.
Prosper Mushava (24) of Highfield, Harare, on January 19 this year allegedly went to house number 14836 Unit O in Chitungwiza where Mike Mukaro of the same suburb was attending a church service.
Mushava allegedly stood before the congregants and introduced himself as a member of the President’s Office.
He allegedly told them that President Mugabe would retire by the end of February and wanted to thank them with residential stands in Budiriro and Zimre Park.
Mushava allegedly asked interested members to pay US$12 each for residential stands in Budiriro while those in Zimre were told to pay US$22.
The money was meant for paying the people who were clearing the land and transport costs for cement to be used, he claimed.
They contributed US$423 and handed it over to Mushava and on the following day, he allegedly collected photocopies of their identification cards.
One of the members, Mike Mukaro, contacted Mushava demanding to see the said stands and was shown an open space in Zimre Park.
Mushava allegedly asked for US$80 from Mukaro after lying that there were two plots on offer.
On January 26, Mushava allegedly went to Paul Mujeri’s house and asked for 15 members from the church who contributed US$299.
When the members contacted him checking progress, Mushava became evasive. The matter was reported to the police, leading to his arrest.
He admitted to two counts of fraud and denied one of undermining authority or insulting the President before Chitungwiza magistrate Mr Lazarus Murendo.
He was remanded in custody to tomorrow for trial.
Mr Tendai Mukariri prosecuted.
Online Reporter