Con artist fakes U$287,000 robbery

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested 39-year-old Khumbulani Sibanda for allegedly fabricating a robbery report. The incident, which occurred in Harare on December 11, 2024, involved the theft of US$287,000 and an unregistered Toyota Allion vehicle.

According to ZRP national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, investigations revealed that Sibanda had traveled to Mutoko by public transport and produced an identification card from a local bus company.

Upon arrival, he contacted a Mutoko business owner, claiming he wanted to purchase a garage in Adbennie for US$900,000. He later told the businessperson that he had been robbed of the money.

Further investigations revealed that Sibanda had initiated sales processes with various owners and even hired private security for cash-in-transit services to bolster his credibility .

His goal, according to Nyathi, was to exploit the victims' sympathy and manipulate them into giving him money.

This incident highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the need for vigilance in the face of suspicious activities. The ZRP's swift action in arresting Sibanda serves as a deterrent to others who may attempt to commit similar crimes.

In other news, the ZRP has been actively working to combat armed robbery cases in Harare and surrounding areas. Recently, they arrested several suspects linked to multiple armed robberies, including one at Dinwoo Investments in Workington, Harare, where US$30,000 in cash was stolen .