RELIEF FOR FAKE ORPHAN

Zvikomborero Parafini

A MAN who posed as an orphan to manipulate a Good Samaritan into donating about US$2 000, which he claimed was to settle his university fees, was yesterday released on bail after spending the weekend in custody

Munashe Terera is facing fraud charges.

He appeared before magistrate Lyn Chizhou who released him on US$100 bail.

He was ordered to return to court on December 5 for trial commencement.

Allegations are that Terera messaged the complainants presenting himself as an orphan who was in dire need of financial assistance of funds for his tuition.

Terera claimed he needed funds for university tuition, accommodation and basic supplies, yet evidence later emerged showing that he used the money for personal gain.

Moved by his plight, the well-wisher transferred over US$ 000 trusting that the money would enable Terera to enroll at university and continue his studies.

However, instead of paying his fees, Terera allegedly spent the funds on personal expenses.

Terera allegedly then blocked the well-wisher on social media to avoid accountability.

The Good Samaritan later investigated and found out  that Terera had fabricated parts of his story, including presenting himself as an orphan, to get sympathy and financial support. He failed to provide proof of payment for his fees and the university confirmed that his fees were not settled.