adminMidlands Correspondent
THREE Harare men who recently bought $300 worth of airtime recharge cards at an Econect shop before they recovered all their spent money through a suspected act of juju were yesterday arraigned before a Shurugwi magistrate facing a charge of fraud.The three, Orphan Chakanyuka (36), Honest Ruwanza (29) and Tawanda Kayola (18) all of Budiriro in Harare pleaded not guilty when they appeared before magistrate Mrs Evia Matura.
They were remanded in custody to today for trial.
For the State, Mr Donald Chashaya told the court that on 12 September, the three went to an Econet shop in Shurugwi town where they bought recharge cards worth $300.
Mr Chashaya said after receiving the recharge cards, the three went and boarded a commuter omnibus, which was heading for Gweru. The court was told that when the shop operator, Ms Peggy Oliver wanted to re-count the trio’s money soon after they left, she discovered that her cash box had only $26 cash.
Mr Chashaya said Ms Oliver who quickly suspected the three of having defrauded her told some members of the public that she had lost $274 under unclear circumstances. The court was told that members of the public quickly traced the three.
Mr Chashaya said Chakanyuka, Ruwanza and Kayola were then arrested at the Gweru-Shurugwi Tollgate after the kombi driver had received an anonymous call that there were three fraud suspects in his vehicle.
The three were taken to Shurugwi Police Station.
The $300 worth of airtime cards and $180 cash was recovered from Chakanyuka.
Online Reporter