Fake BCC official in US$17,500 stand scam

A 49-year-old Bulawayo man has appeared in court facing fraud charges after allegedly posing as an employee of the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) and duping a local company director of US$17 500 in a failed commercial stand deal.

Nkosilathi Sibanda, of Emakhandeni suburb, appeared before Bulawayo provincial magistrate Isheunesu Mathoba, where he pleaded not guilty. He was remanded in custody to tomorrow pending a bail application.

The complainant, Mr Lovemore Mutoko, director of Lonatech Air Technology Solutions (Pvt) Limited, is being represented by his lawyer, Tapiwa Solani.

According to the State, represented by principal prosecutor Milton Moyo, the alleged offence dates back to December 2025 when Mutoko met Sibanda at a photocopying shop in Bulawayo's city centre.

After a brief conversation, Sibanda allegedly claimed he could facilitate the purchase of commercial stands from the Bulawayo City Council, saying the properties had been repossessed from defaulting beneficiaries.

The court heard that Sibanda advised Mutoko to apply for placement on the BCC housing waiting list, which he did. He was allegedly instructed to pay US$280 for expedited processing and was issued with reference numbers for two stands.

Prosecutor Moyo told the court that the stands were valued at US$17 500, and Mutoko was allegedly instructed to pay the amount in instalments into Sibanda's bank account, with the assurance that the funds would be remitted to the city council.

Mutoko reportedly transferred the money on different dates until the full amount of US$17 500 had been paid.

However, suspicions arose when Sibanda allegedly failed to provide official Bulawayo City Council receipts as proof of payment. The complainant then reported the matter to the police, leading to Sibanda's arrest.

The case continues tomorrow when Sibanda is expected to apply for bail.