Debt collector swindles client

A debt collector with Bherebhende Law Chambers has appeared in court accused of swindling a client out of $13 000.

Sarah Hwingiri of 124 Samora Machel Avenue in Harare appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe last week. She is facing theft of trust property charges. She was remanded to March 3 on $100 bail.

The complainant is Katija Da Silva Marques employed by Skylark and Tours as a senior travel consultant. Prosecutor Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa alleged that on September 24, 2010 Marques took a $50 000 loan from CBZ Bank.

The court heard that she pledged her mother's house as surety. The house was sold and awaited confirmation of the sale by the Sheriff after Marques failed to service the loan.

Marques was introduced to Hwingiri who was said to have powers to reverse the sale of the house. Hwingiri was given $1 500 as consultation fee and a Mercedes-Benz ADJ 4793 to sell and pay the bank.

Hwingiri converted the vehicle to own use. On different occasions Marques allegedly paid a total of $7 000 to Hwingiri.