Army chief almost lost residential stands worth $70,000

Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant-General Philip Valerio Sibanda almost lost residential stands worth $70 000 to a suspected conman.

Shepherd Katswara (46), of No. 9355 Budiriro 5B, Harare, has since appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe facing fraud charges. The complainant in the matter is Lt-Gen Sibanda, who is the registered owner of stand numbers 1115 and 689 Bluffhill Township in Harare.

Prosecutor Ms Sharon Mashavira opposed bail, saying the accused was a flight risk.

"The accused is facing a serious offence and there is overwhelming evidence against him and if granted bail there is a likelihood that he will abscond," she said. "There are suspected accomplices who are still at large in the matter."
Katswara is expected back in court on September 3.

Ms Mashavira alleged that on dates not known, but in early August this year, Lt-Gen Sibanda visited his stand and saw an advertisement placed on a notice board.

The advert indicated that his stand was for sale and interested parties could contact the "seller" on mobile numbers 0775 173 500 and 0733 709 992.

It is alleged that on August 15, Lt-Gen Sibanda reported the matter at CID Serious Frauds.

Katswara was arrested following investigations through the mobile numbers.