Online Reporter
Sekai Manyere
Herald Reporter
A 54-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has been sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment after being convicted of fraud involving false promises of securing employment.
Amukela Nkwame was convicted by the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court after he got US$500 from Simango Khayisa (41), his co-worker at Ingutsheni Hospital, by claiming he could secure a job for her younger brother.
The court heard that Khayisa reported the matter to the police after discovering that Nkwame had no authority to offer employment, leading to his arrest and prosecution.
Nkwame was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment.
However, six months were suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period.
A further four months were suspended on condition that he restitutes US$500 to Khayisa.
He will therefore serve an effective 20-month prison sentence if he complies with the court’s conditions.
In a statement following the sentencing, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said the case serves as a warning to the public that obtaining money or property through false pretences is a criminal offence that carries serious penalties.
NPAZ also urged members of the community to exercise caution when dealing with employment offers, advising them to verify the authenticity of any recruitment process through the relevant institutions before making payments.
The authority said the public should avoid falling prey to individuals promising jobs without legitimate authority, pointing to such schemes as a common driver of fraud-related cases in the country.
