Former TV presenter Oscar Pambuka convicted of fra...

Former TV presenter Oscar Pambuka convicted of fraud

Zim Now Writer

Former television presenter Oscar Pambuka was yesterday convicted on charges of attempting to defraud a Harare-based transporter of R36 000.

Pambuka misrepresented that he was Moses Chingwena, Croco Motors director, and wanted advance money to pay for shipment of his motor spare parts in South Africa.

Pambuka attempted to dupe Gibson Mazhangara, who runs Gimatar Logistics.

On November 15 last year, Pambuka, who was masquarrading as Croco Motors marketing manager and representing Chingwena, called Mazhangara using a South African number, saying they wanted R36 000 as advance payment for shipping spare parts from South Africa.

Claiming that Chingwena was in a meeting, Pambuka then asked Mazhangara to deposit the money into J Velem Enterprises, trading as Ulphostery Trading’s FNB Bank account in South Africa. He was told that he would receive his US dollar equivalent in Zimbabwe.

Maxzhangara was suspicious and went to confirm with Croco Motors who said they had no consignment awaiting shipment from South Africa. He reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of Pambuka and his three accomplices.

Ngonidzashe Mbauya and Elmore Mwenye, who were implicated in the matter, were cleared and acquitted of the charges when they appeared at Mbare Magistrates’ Court.

Mbare magistrate Nyasha Vitorini remanded Pambuka in custody to tomorrow for sentencing.

Vimbai Makamure prosecuted.