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Esau Sabelo Nkomo would allegedly tell his “clients” that he resided at Number 31104 Entumbane, but it turned out that he is of no fixed abode when one of his victims, Mr Salvatierra Rodrigo Andres visited the house and discovered that he did not stay there.

Mr Andres is the managing director of S and S Butchery at Number 61 B Robert Mugabe Way and is Nkomo’s latest victim.

Indications are that Nkomo would move around and approach different people especially butchers and claim that he was selling cattle that were at his rural home.

He would allegedly sweet talk his “clients”, who would then pay him part of the money upfront.

Nkomo would sometimes claim that he wanted to go to hospital and would be given the money and promise to deliver the cattle, but disappear.

Nkomo was not formally charged with fraud when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Abednico Ndebele after he defrauded Mr Andres of $1 330 after promising to deliver six beasts to his butchery.

He was denied bail and was remanded in custody to 19 February, as the State led by Mr Edwards Zimbandi wants to verify his address.

Allegations are that on 18 January, Nkomo approached Mr Andres at about 12 noon and indicated to him that he had six cattle for sale.

The court heard that the two agreed on a deal of $500 per beast.

It is alleged that on the same day at about 2.30pm, Nkomo went back to the butchery and asked for $80 from Mr Andres, which he said was transport money for him to bring the beasts and he was given. He went on to ask for $250 saying he wanted to settle a hospital bill and was given $330 and promised to return the next day with the six beasts.

The court was told that the following morning Nkomo approached the complainant again and told him that he had used all the money in paying hospital bills. He said he had problems with his truck, which had a breakdown and needed more cash.

Nkomo was allegedly given $1 000 and promised the deliver the cattle the same day.

It is alleged that the complainant phoned Nkomo later in the day and he told him that he had problems with his truck.

Mr Andres allegedly went to the given address where he discovered that he did not stay there and Nkomo was nowhere to be found.