adminManicaland Correspondent
A Mutare-based serial fraudster was back in the dock last week after she allegedly duped desperate job seekers of thousands of dollars, promising them scholarships and employment in Government departments.
Juliana Sithole (44) of Chikanga high-density suburb appeared before Mutare magistrate Ms Perseverance Makala on June 8 facing 12 counts of fraud.
This was the second time Sithole has appeared before the courts for the same offence after being arrested three years ago.
Sithole, who pleaded not guilty to all the charges, was released on $200 bail.
Representing the State, Mr Fletcher Karombe said Sithole allegedly demanded different amounts ranging from $100 to $1 000 from the victims, promising them employment.
“Sithole told me that she was linked to influential people in Government and that it would be easy for me to a acquire job in the Government,” one of the victims told the court.
“She also promised several people that they will acquire jobs in the army, health sector as well as education sector.”
Another victim said Sithole had asked her to go into business with her, but disappeared with the stock before the venture even took shape.
“Recently, Sithole asked me to start a cake baking project and promised that we would be equal partners,” she said. “I baked 200 cakes and gave her, she then vanished with my cakes and I never received any payment.
“When I asked her about my cakes, she told me that they were only samples for testing. She made people believe that we were working together.”
Three years ago, Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development provincial head Ms Chido Tsinakwadi gave evidence that Sithole swindled several women of money ranging from $50 to $200 to facilitate the disbursement of Women Development Funds which is financial assistance from the Government for women to undertake income generating projects.
Online Reporter