Vehicle rent-to-buy gone wrong

Prince Maposa

Thirteen people allegedly lost about US$18 000 in a vehicle rent-to-buy scheme that went wrong.

The case has since left Luke Mashopeko (35) in remand after appearing before Harare magistrate Mrs Victoria Mashamba on a fraud charge.

Mashopeko of Chipinge pleaded not guilty to the offence.

It is the State’s case that Mashopeko of L Mashopeko investments and Tamar Motors advertised he was selling various vehicle brands on a rent to buy basis through Tammar Motors.

Prosecutor Ms Idah Maromo told the court that sometime in May last year, the complainants responded to the advertisement and paid deposits to acquire the vehicles.

“Accused person promised the motor vehicles would be delivered in a few weeks but nothing was done at all,” Prosecutor Maromo told the court.

“Mashopeko swindled a total of US$17 659 after promising to deliver a total of 13 motor vehicles, which consisted of four Toyota Hiaces, Toyota Granvia, two Honda fit Hybrids, two Nissan Caravans, Toyota Raum, Toyota wish, Mercedes Benz and a Nissan Murano”

In denying the charge, Mashopeko claims that he was in the process of procuring the vehicles before Government began charging duty on cars in foreign currency, leaving him short of money.