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Temba Dube Deputy News Editor
A BUSINESSMAN has been arrested in Bulawayo for allegedly plotting to kill an illegal money changer and rob her of $8,000. Vincent Sibanda of Planet Timbers in Kelvin North Industrial site, allegedly connived with a manager at the company, Gift Gwatidzo, to commit the crime. Police arrested him on Saturday after Gwatidzo sold him out.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango said Sibanda would appear in court soon.

Sources told The Chronicle yesterday that Sibanda’s company was sinking in debt when he hatched a plan to kidnap an usiphatheleni and kill her on the company premises.

“He promised Gwatidzo a share in the company if he assisted him to lure a money changer to the company on the pretext of wanting to change an equivalent of $8,000 from South African rand,” said the source.

Gwatidzo allegedly developed cold feet and told his pastor who advised him to report the matter to the police.

“Gwatidzo made a report on Saturday, the day the murder was supposed to be committed. Sibanda had said they would use a pair of shoe laces to strangle the victim,” said the source.

Their victim allegedly got suspicious when Sibanda failed to show her the money he wanted to exchange for the United States dollars.

“She called a friend and the two fled. Police were already looking for Sibanda and they caught up with the two and arrested them,” said the source.

A police source said the duo was likely to be charged with conspiracy to commit murder or attempted murder.

Investigations by The Chronicle established that Gwatidzo and Sibanda once worked together at a company called Timber Masters before Sibanda broke away to form his own company.

Last year, one of Sibanda’s vehicles was seized to pay off a debt.