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Plaxcedes Hove Court Reporter
A RETIRED police officer from Bulawayo’s Nketa 6 suburb allegedly defrauded his relative of $17,000 and claimed the money was stolen by goblins.Stuart Ndlovu, 61, was given $17,000 by Sheila Sibanda who is based in the United Kingdom to buy a house for her.

Ndlovu, who was represented by Tanaka Muganyi of Dube-Banda, Nzarayapenga Legal Practitioners, pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was granted $100 bail and was remanded to October 15 for trial.  He appeared before Western Commonage provincial magistrate Willard Maphios Moyo facing a charge of fraud.

Prosecuting Kingstone Mkanganwi said Ndlovu was given money to acquire a house and he converted it to his own use.

“Sibanda, who is based in UK, sent Ndlovu money and he failed to buy the house as per their agreement and he converted the money to his own use,” he said.

The court heard that on a date unknown to the state but in January this year, Ndlovu was given $10,000 by Sibanda to buy a house.
In February, he was given an additional $7,000.

On September 22, Sibanda inquired about the money that she had sent and Ndlovu told her that the money was taken by goblins.

A report was made to the police leading to his arrest.

Magistrate Moyo granted Ndlovu bail of $100 along with the conditions.

“You are granted bail but you should not interfere with state witnesses. You must report to ZRP Tshabalala every Friday and you also continue residing in Nketa 6,” he said.