Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo-Court Correspondent
A DEAL to secure the release of an impounded Toyota Prado from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority went awry after a facilitator allegedly disappeared with US$8 000 without delivering the vehicle.
Sani Shaibu (31), represented by lawyer Mr Moffat Makuvatsine, appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo facing charges of fraud. He was granted bail set at US$100.
The complainant, Spencer Murindagomo (41), had engaged Shaibu on January 20 this year to assist in facilitating the release of his employer’s vehicle, which had been seized by ZIMRA.
Prosecutor Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe told the court that Shaibu misrepresented himself as having the ability to secure the vehicle’s release and demanded US$8 000 for his services.
Murindagomo paid the full amount in cash on the same day, with assurances that the vehicle would be released the following day.
However, Shaibu disappeared with the money and made no payments to ZIMRA.
After suspecting he had been duped, Murindagomo contacted ZIMRA to verify the status of the vehicle and confirmed that no progress had been made.
The incident was reported to the police, leading to Shaibu’s arrest.
The total amount defrauded is US$8 000 and none of it has been recovered.
