Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
A 26-year-old man from Gwabalanda, Blessed Nyathi, who is facing fraud charges over a disputed US$550 mobile money transaction, has been granted bail of US$50 by Magistrate, Mr Archie Wochiwunga.
According to Prosecutor, Ms Audrey Kufandikanwe, on February 26 at approximately 10AM, Nyathi approached Meluleki Moyo (31) at an EcoCash outlet in Magwegwe North. Nyathi requested Moyo to process a transaction of US$140 into his account, claiming he had the cash physically in his wallet.
After the first transaction was completed, Nyathi persuaded Moyo to process a second transaction of US$410 to his account, again assuring him that he would pay.
However, once the transaction was completed, Nyathi failed to hand over the money, the court heard.
When Moyo demanded repayment, Nyathi claimed that the recipients of the funds were not returning the money. The following day, Nyathi sent US$95 to Moyo as partial compensation, assuring him that the remaining balance would be paid within three days and asking him not to involve the authorities.
However, he failed to honour this promise.
The total amount defrauded was US$550, of which only US$95 was recovered.
Magistrate Mr Wochiwunga granted Nyathi bail of US$50, which may be paid in either Zimbabwean dollars at the prevailing bank rate or in US dollars.
As part of his bail conditions, Nyathi has been ordered not to interfere with state witnesses and is required to report to Luveve Police Station every fortnight on Fridays, between 6am and 6pm.
The matter was remanded to June 23, 2025.
