Broke man fakes son's death

A MAN attempted to defraud First Mutual Insurance Company of $1,500 by faking his son's death.

Godfrey Kutadza, 47, of Mazarira Village under Chief Chikwanda, had taken out funeral policies on himself and his family with First Mutual, also covering his son Shepherd. He produced a burial order as proof of Shepherd's death and filed a claim for $1,500 on his policy.

Kutadza's plan backfired after the company went on to verify the alleged death with his village head. Appearing before Masvingo provincial magistrate Langton Ndokera yesterday, Kutadza was convicted on his own plea of guilty.

He was warned, cautioned and discharged by the magistrate. The magistrate said he had considered that Kutadza was a first offender.

"You also didn't succeed in depriving the company, but you mustn't be found doing the same again," said Ndokera.

Kutadza said he was broke and thought of faking the death to get some money.

He pleaded with the court for mercy saying he was ignorant of the consequences.

For the State, Nancy Makuvise, said sometime in February this year, Kutadza hatched a plan to defraud First Mutual Insurance Company through lying that his son had died.

The son's age was not given.

"On February 25, Kutadza went to First Mutual Insurance Company in Masvingo's Central Business District. Kutadza filled in a funeral cash claim form which he presented to the company for processing. He also presented a burial order Number 86/26 depicting the day Shepherd had allegedly died and been buried," said Makuvise.