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Midlands Bureau

A 35-YEAR-OLD man allegedly pretended to be a police officer before swindling an unsuspecting victim who wanted to buy a motor vehicle, for US$2 300,  through the Government Rebate System.

Appearing before Gweru Provincial magistrate Ms Beaulity Dube facing one count of fraud was Chrisphen Maongomeko from Gweru.

Ms Dube remanded Maongomeko in custody to July 15 after denying him bail.

“You have appeared before this court seeking bail, but I regret to inform you that your application is denied. The State has opposed your request, citing concerns that you may be a flight risk and likely to abscond, as it is alleged that you were attempting to flee when apprehended. In light of this, your bail application is unsuccessful. You will be remanded in custody until July 15, 2024. Please step down,” said Ms Dube leaving Maongomeko in a state of shock.

Ms Christine Shoniwa for the State had opposed the bail application, citing that Maongomeko might abscond court proceedings.

It is the State case that Maongomeko approached the complainant in February 2023, falsely claiming to be a police officer.

He received US$400 and promised to purchase a vehicle for the complainant through the Government Rebate System.

The complainant later sent additional funds, totalling US$1 900, through the accused’s cellphone number via multiple transactions.

However, when the complainant inquired about the vehicle’s status two months later, Maongomeko became evasive and uncooperative.

A report was made to the police leading to his arrest