Admire Gowera (27), Kudakwashe Gwama (26) and Tendai Chiondo (25), appeared before Chitungwiza magistrate Mr Oliver Mudzongachiso who remanded them to June 29 for trial. The trio pleaded not guilty to fraud charges after they allegedly posed as the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) agents and defrauded Rutendo Vannessa of $2 000 after offering to assist her recover a $2 500 debt.
The court heard that Vannessa loaned $2 500 to her husband’s friend Rachel Muzilikazi who offered her Nissan Elgrand as surety. After four days Muzilikazi was evasive and the residential address she supplied on the affidavit turned out to be false. Vannessa was approached by Gowera, who is also her husband’s friend, who offered to help recover the $2 500 or the vehicle. Gowera who introduced himself as a member of CIO “vehicle theft squad” requested the affidavit, vehicle registration book and $18 to track the vehicle.
He introduced his colleague, Ian Charehwa, who requested $40 from Vannessa. Vannessa was allegedly advised that the vehicle had been impounded by the police in Murewa and that $80 would be needed to facilitate the release of the vehicle and $100 for spare parts. In April, Charehwa went to Vannessa’s house with the car in the company of Gwama and Chiondo whom he introduced as CID vehicle theft squad police officers before requesting $464 which she sent via EcoCash to Chiondo’s number.
More: Herald
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