Langa Mabena
Danisa Masuku
WHILE lawyers often navigate the murky waters of deception, helping clients escape the clutches of the law, sometimes the tables turn, and they become ensnared in the web of deceit.
This reality was brought to the fore when prominent Bulawayo lawyer David Mhiribidi (53) was left counting his losses after an Australia-based Zimbabwean man allegedly defrauded him of US$ 4,000 in a botched car deal.
According to court documents seen by B-Metro, Simbarashe Leonard Muderedzi (53) informed Mhiribidi that he was selling an Audi vehicle and Mhiribidi agreed to the purchase. It is alleged that Mhiribidi proposed paying in instalments.
Subsequently, Muderedzi allegedly requested a US$ 4,000 deposit, which Mhiribidi paid into the provided bank account.
Muderedzi then promised to deliver the car while Mhiribidi was paying the remaining balance in instalments.
However, Muderedzi allegedly never sent the car to Mhiribidi and instead sold it to someone else in Harare.
Mhiribidi made numerous attempts to contact Muderedzi, but his efforts were unsuccessful.
He subsequently reported the matter to the police, and Muderedzi was recently arrested upon his arrival in Zimbabwe. He appeared in court before Bulawayo magistrate Abednico Diliza Ndebele, facing a charge of fraud.
He pleaded not guilty and was remanded out of custody to February 3. Mhiribidi was represented by his lawyer, Tawanda Tavengwa.
Online Reporter