Clever policeman uses fake documents to secure $1,500 loans

A 27-year-old police officer attached to the ZRP Protection Unit Tomlinson Depot allegedly used fake documents to obtain about $1 500 in loans from a micro-finance company at its different branches across the country.

Shepherd Chiguware, on Friday appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Bianca Makwande facing fraud charges.

It is the state's case that on May 27 this year, Chiguware was in his police uniform when he approached Yonder Rift Enterprises' Harare branch where he applied for a $250 loan.

Chiguware got the loan at a 17 percent interest rate and he gave the loan officer the required documents. The documents included a payslip, bank statement, confirmation of employment and proof of residence, passport-size photograph and a photocopy of his national identity card. It is the state's case that Chiguware presented a forged payslip, bank statement and confirmation of employment.

It is alleged that the loan officer processed the loan without noticing that the documents were fake. Chiguware received $250 through his EcoCash account.

The court heard that on June 7, Chiguware went to the company's Gweru branch while clad in his police uniform. Using the same trick he managed to dupe the loan officer of $110, it is alleged. Eight days later he allegedly pounced on Yonder Rift Enterprises Mutare branch and walked away with $220.

The court heard that on July 9 and 27, Chiguware went to the company's Bindura and Marondera branches, where he obtained $235 and $250 respectively.

On August 11, he visited the Chivhu branch and allegedly duped the loan officer of $220. Three days later, he went to Chegutu branch and walked away with $235, it is alleged. The micro loan company lost $1 520 and nothing was recovered.

He was remanded to November 30 on $100 bail. Chiguware was ordered to reside at his address pending finalisation of the matter.