By Dumisani Ndlovu
Chrisphen Maongomeko, a 35-year-old Gweru man, has been charged with fraud after allegedly swindling a victim of US$2,300. Maongomeko pretended to be a police officer and promised to purchase a motor vehicle through the Government Rebate System. He appeared before Gweru Magistrate Beaulity Dube, seeking bail, but was denied due to flight risk concerns.
“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 on the run when apprehended. In light of this, your bail application is unsuccessful. You will be remanded in custody until July 15, 2024. Please step down,” Magistrate Dube stated, addressing the accused, Maongomeko, who stood in stunned disbelief.
The Public Prosecutor, Christine Shoniwa, opposed the bail application, citing that Maongomeko might abscond court proceedings. Magistrate Dube ruled that the accused be remanded in custody until July 15, 2024.
The state alleges 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 through the Government Rebate System. The complainant later sent additional funds, totaling US$1,900, via mobile transactions.
In May, the complainant transferred additional funds totalling US$1,900 to the accused’s cellphone number via multiple transactions. However, when the accused inquired about the vehicle’s status two months later, he became evasive and uncooperative leading to his arrest.
