adminThubelihle Mabhena Court Reporter
A 58-YEAR-OLD man from Mpopoma allegedly defrauded five people of $223 in order to pay his child’s school fees. Christopher Sibanda appeared before Bulawayo provincial magistrate Sibongile Msipa facing five counts of fraud. He pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay $100 or spend 30 days in prison provided that he restitutes the victims.
“Your worship l duped people in order to pay school fees for my child. I was desperate,” said Sibanda.
Prosecuting, Charles Danda told the court that on August 28 at around 9AM at 13th Avenue and Fort Street in Bulawayo, Sibanda approached Taona Bwaya, 39, of Emakhandeni.
“Sibanda told Bwaya that he was employed at Mhlahlandlela offices and his boss needed a reliable person for a certain job,” said Danda.
He then asked for a photocopy of Bwaya’s national identity card and the following day he told him that his boss wanted something.
The court heard that Bwaya gave Sibanda $80 on different occasions so that he can be employed at Mhlahlandlela.
On September 29 at around 9AM at 12th Avenue and Joshua Nkomo Street, Sibanda approached Trust Mushanguri, 36, of Lobengula West.
“Sibanda told Mushanguri that he can access cement at PPC for $9 a bag,” said Danda.
The court heard that Mushanguri gave him $100 for 30 bags and he went away.
He was told the balance would be discounted.
Sibanda approached Christina Thebe, 34, of Makokoba on October 28 and told her that he was employed as a laboratory technician at Mpilo Central Hospital.
“He told Thebe that he was looking for a general hand and the only way she could get the job was for her to give him $10,” said Danda.
Thebe realised she had been conned after Sibanda went away with her money.
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