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Couple in court for alleged US$60,000 fake NRZ tender scam
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A Bulawayo couple has appeared before the regional magistrates' court on allegations of defrauding a local woman of US$60 000 through a fake investment deal involving a non-existent National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) tender.
Stephen Chitofu (51) and his wife, Lakidzani Chitofu (46), on Thursday pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned before regional magistrate Taurai Manuwere. They were remanded to December 2 for continuation of trial.
Prosecutors told the court that the alleged fraud dates back to February 2023, when the complainant, Alves Francis, approached a man identified as Maqhawe Mpofu - who is still on the run - seeking investment opportunities worth US$60 000.
Mpofu allegedly introduced Francis to the Chitofus, who are accused of falsely claiming that Stephen was employed by NRZ and had secured a lucrative tender requiring capital to initiate. The couple allegedly told Francis that her money would be used to kickstart the project, promising substantial returns.
To bolster their credibility, Stephen reportedly claimed ownership of a property at 13 Dent Bernard Road in Waterford, Bulawayo, which he allegedly pledged as security for the investment. Investigations later revealed the house did not belong to him.
Relying on the alleged misrepresentations, Francis transferred the full US$60 000 to the couple as part of the investment arrangement.
The prosecution said it was later established that no such NRZ tender existed, and the accused had no links to the parastatal or any valid business venture. Francis subsequently filed a police report, leading to the arrest of Stephen and Lakidzani, while Mpofu remains at large.
The trial continues next month.
Stephen Chitofu (51) and his wife, Lakidzani Chitofu (46), on Thursday pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned before regional magistrate Taurai Manuwere. They were remanded to December 2 for continuation of trial.
Prosecutors told the court that the alleged fraud dates back to February 2023, when the complainant, Alves Francis, approached a man identified as Maqhawe Mpofu - who is still on the run - seeking investment opportunities worth US$60 000.
Mpofu allegedly introduced Francis to the Chitofus, who are accused of falsely claiming that Stephen was employed by NRZ and had secured a lucrative tender requiring capital to initiate. The couple allegedly told Francis that her money would be used to kickstart the project, promising substantial returns.
To bolster their credibility, Stephen reportedly claimed ownership of a property at 13 Dent Bernard Road in Waterford, Bulawayo, which he allegedly pledged as security for the investment. Investigations later revealed the house did not belong to him.
Relying on the alleged misrepresentations, Francis transferred the full US$60 000 to the couple as part of the investment arrangement.
The prosecution said it was later established that no such NRZ tender existed, and the accused had no links to the parastatal or any valid business venture. Francis subsequently filed a police report, leading to the arrest of Stephen and Lakidzani, while Mpofu remains at large.
The trial continues next month.
Source - Southern Eye
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