Zvikomborero Parafini
A HIGHFIELD man was scammed out of his life savings of US$3 800 by a couple and their accomplice.
They falsely offered to help him buy a car in Namibia. Evans Gabriel Mapfumo, a self-employed plumber, was referred to Kondiwani Mayelezi and her boyfriend, Tinashe Sithole, who is based in the United States, by Kudakwashe Tadhliwa.
He consulted Tadhliwa about importing a truck.
After depositing US$1 600 into an FBC Bank account, at Sithole’s request, Mapfumo was promised that a Mazda B2500 double cab truck would be shipped to him in early January.
He was told this would be possible after he had transferred a total of US$3 850.
However, Sithole never showed up at their agreed meeting place in Cranborne, and Tadhliwa demanded more money when contacted.
Mayelezi appeared before Harare magistrate Munashe Chibanda yesterday and was charged with fraud.
She was granted US$100 bail.
The State said Mapfumo first deposited US$1 600 in November last year.
He was promised by Sithole that the vehicle would be shipped to Namibia from where it would be driven to Kazungula Border Post.
Tadhliwa would then drive it from there and deliver it to Mapfumo.
He was told that the vehicle would be delivered to him in early January.
On February 2, Sithole texted Mapfumo and asked to meet him in Cranborne to collect the vehicle.
Sithole didn’t show up.
Sometime last month, Mayelezi went to Mapfumo and demanded US$200 for the “vehicle to be released.”
Mapfumo called the police, before giving her the money, leading to her arrest.
Grace Mugocheke appeared for the State.