News / Local
US$1 'mysteriously' changes into Zim dollars
27 Jun 2013 at 06:43hrs | Views
A 39-year-old Bulawayo man reportedly lost $2 850 when he gave $1 to a "mysterious" man claiming to be rushing his pregnant wife to Mpilo Central Hospital.
The man, Mr Ezra Dube was shocked a few minutes later when he discovered that his money had turned into ZW $761 850.
Narrating his ordeal yesterday, Mr Dube said he suspected the "couple" had used muti to rob him of the money meant to purchase building material.
"I was walking along Lobengula Street at about 7am on my way to buy cement, asbestos, nails and other building material. I met the man, who was walking with a pregnant woman and they asked if I could help them with change. I told them I had no money and they kept pestering me saying they desperately needed to get the woman to the hospital," said Mr Dube.
He said after some negotiations he complied and gave the couple $1 as he felt pity for the pregnant woman who was heavily pregnant.
"The man kept on pestering me until I gave in and I continued with my journey. A few minutes later upon arriving at a shop, I discovered that I no longer had my money but was only left with old notes that amounted to ZW$761 850. I searched all my pockets and I failed to find the money.
I quickly went back to where I had met the couple and discovered they had vanished. I suspect they used muti to steal my money," he said.
Mr Dube said the incident would affect his construction business in Cowdray Park and appealed to members of the public to help him recover his money.
"This was the worst day of my life and I encourage members of the public never to entertain strangers in need of money no matter how desperate they maybe. I have heard that many people in Harare have lost their money to thieves in this way and did not believe it until I was a victim."
The man, Mr Ezra Dube was shocked a few minutes later when he discovered that his money had turned into ZW $761 850.
Narrating his ordeal yesterday, Mr Dube said he suspected the "couple" had used muti to rob him of the money meant to purchase building material.
"I was walking along Lobengula Street at about 7am on my way to buy cement, asbestos, nails and other building material. I met the man, who was walking with a pregnant woman and they asked if I could help them with change. I told them I had no money and they kept pestering me saying they desperately needed to get the woman to the hospital," said Mr Dube.
"The man kept on pestering me until I gave in and I continued with my journey. A few minutes later upon arriving at a shop, I discovered that I no longer had my money but was only left with old notes that amounted to ZW$761 850. I searched all my pockets and I failed to find the money.
I quickly went back to where I had met the couple and discovered they had vanished. I suspect they used muti to steal my money," he said.
Mr Dube said the incident would affect his construction business in Cowdray Park and appealed to members of the public to help him recover his money.
"This was the worst day of my life and I encourage members of the public never to entertain strangers in need of money no matter how desperate they maybe. I have heard that many people in Harare have lost their money to thieves in this way and did not believe it until I was a victim."
Source - chronicle
