Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini-Herald Reporter
A CITY of Harare municipal police officer has been taken to court accused of duping a workmate of US$5 260 after allegedly claiming she had won US$40 000 through online betting, but needed money to unlock the winnings.
Rumbidzai Chigara (37) yesterday appeared before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai facing a fraud charge.
The State alleges that Chigara and the complainant work together at Mbare bus terminus, where the complainant is employed as a cashier.
It is alleged that on August 6, Chigara visited her colleague at her home in Ruwa and told her that she had won US$40 000 through online betting games.
She allegedly claimed she could not access the purported winnings through EcoCash because she had reached her withdrawal limit, and urgently needed US$5 260.
According to the State, Chigara allegedly promised to reimburse the money once her withdrawal limit was restored on September 1.
Believing the representations, the complainant allegedly handed her US$5 260.
The State alleges that after September 1 passed without payment, Chigara began giving several excuses, prompting the complainant to report the matter to police.
Detectives allegedly received information about Chigara’s whereabouts on September 29 and arrested her at her workplace.
Police further allege that during investigations, Chigara failed to produce evidence of the EcoCash balances she had claimed to possess.
The State says the US$5 260 has not been recovered.
Prosecutors are opposed bail, arguing that Chigara may interfere with witnesses because she works with the complainant.
