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Fake lawyer arrested in US$550 fraud case
3 hrs ago |
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A 47-year-old Harare man has appeared in court for allegedly posing as a lawyer and defrauding a woman of US$550 after claiming he could represent her and recover a debt on her behalf.
Lenon Mapiye, of Greystone Park, appeared before Harare magistrate Michael Mafukidze facing fraud charges. The matter was remanded to April 30.
According to the State, represented by Takudzwa Jambawo, the alleged offence occurred in November 2025 at the corner of Kwame Nkrumah Avenue and Chinhoyi Street in Harare's central business district.
Prosecutors allege that Mapiye unlawfully misrepresented himself to the complainant, Mavis Panashe Masendeke, claiming he was a qualified lawyer capable of securing a court date at the Harare Civil Court and recovering a US$1,600 debt from one Mike Chimbwanda.
Believing the claims, Masendeke allegedly paid Mapiye an initial US$50 as part of his legal fees.
The State contends that Mapiye knew he was not a lawyer and had no authority or capacity to provide the promised legal services.
It is further alleged that he later approached the debtor and collected US$500, which he was expected to hand over to the complainant. However, he allegedly failed to remit the money and instead converted it to his own use.
The case is set to continue later this month.
Lenon Mapiye, of Greystone Park, appeared before Harare magistrate Michael Mafukidze facing fraud charges. The matter was remanded to April 30.
According to the State, represented by Takudzwa Jambawo, the alleged offence occurred in November 2025 at the corner of Kwame Nkrumah Avenue and Chinhoyi Street in Harare's central business district.
Prosecutors allege that Mapiye unlawfully misrepresented himself to the complainant, Mavis Panashe Masendeke, claiming he was a qualified lawyer capable of securing a court date at the Harare Civil Court and recovering a US$1,600 debt from one Mike Chimbwanda.
Believing the claims, Masendeke allegedly paid Mapiye an initial US$50 as part of his legal fees.
The State contends that Mapiye knew he was not a lawyer and had no authority or capacity to provide the promised legal services.
It is further alleged that he later approached the debtor and collected US$500, which he was expected to hand over to the complainant. However, he allegedly failed to remit the money and instead converted it to his own use.
The case is set to continue later this month.
Source - online
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