Zimpapers Logo

Mashudu Netsianda Senior Court Reporter
POPULAR Bulawayo musician Nicholas Chase Skuza defrauded a South Africa-based truck driver of $2,900 in a botched residential stand deal in Cowdray Park suburb.

Skuza, 47, of Luveve suburb, yesterday appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Marylin Mutshina who convicted him of a charge of fraud and sentenced him to 24 months in jail.

Mutshina suspended eight months for five years on condition that Skuza does not within that period commit a similar crime. Another eight months were suspended on condition that the musician restitutes $2,900 to the complainant on or before November 30 through the clerk of court.

The remaining eight months were suspended on condition that he performs 280 hours of community service at Luveve Police Station starting today.

In passing sentence, Mutshina took into account the fact that Skuza did not waste the court’s time by pleading guilty to the charge.

“Fraud is a serious crime but since you’re a first offender who did not waste the court’s time by admitting to the charge, community service would be the most appropriate sentence for you.

“ You will, however, have to pay back the complainant’s money by November 30, 2015, failure to which you will go to jail,” ruled the magistrate.

In mitigation, Skuza pleaded for leniency, saying he was the sole breadwinner for his family.

“I’m married and looking after my wife and nine children. I’ve 15 cattle at my rural home and I also realise about $700 per month from conducting musical shows,” said Skuza.

Prosecuting, Kudakwashe Jaravaza said sometime in January this year, one Gift Makoronga placed an advert in The Chronicle selling a house in Cowdray Park.

An interested buyer, Kenneth Chihota, responded to the advert and indicated that he was willing to view the property.

The court heard that Chihota was not satisfied with the price and opted for a residential stand.

Makoronga then linked Chihota with Skuza who was selling a residential stand in Cowdray Park.

“Makoronga took Chihota to Cowdray Park where Skuza was selling the residential stand for $4,000,” said Jaravaza.

The two men agreed that Chihota would pay $3,000 with the remaining $1,000 going to the Bulawayo City Council.

The court heard that on January 7, Chihota paid Skuza $2,900 for the stand and an agreement of sale was drafted and signed by the two parties.

Sometime in May, Chihota discovered that a structure had been built on his stand and he then tried to contact Skuza over the issue but he was elusive.

Upon realising that he had been duped, Chihota made a police report, leading to Skuza’s arrest.