Fake ZACC official steals cars through government...

Fake ZACC official steals cars through government hire scam

Wood Gavel Hammer for Lawyers, Courtroom Judges and Auction Sale. Concept of the Verdict of the Court of Justice Stock Illustration - Illustration of background, alimony: 164271769

Michael Mashiri

Alpharomeo Mutovongi, 50, stands accused of defrauding US$22 500 worth of property and impersonating a public official to initiate the fraud, and has been brought to court.

He faces three counts of fraud and one of impersonating a public official.

The state alleges that on January 9, 2023, Mutovongi lied to Edmore Tsikai, the complainant in the matter at corner Samora Machel Avenue and Leopold Takawira Street that he was a Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission official.

He told Tsikai that ZACC had a programme of hiring cars from interested people for use in the government.

The car rental fee was pegged at US$50 per day which was to be paid weekly on Mondays. Tsikai offered his Toyota Regius and they both signed the contract papers before the handover of the car.

After receiving the car from Tsikai, Mutovongi sold it to Jesse Takavadii. It is alleged that the programme Mutovongi alleged to being run by ZACC never existed. The car was later recovered from Takavadii, the buyer.

The state alleges that on the same day, Mutovongi deceived William Ndiya at the same place where he had deceived Tsikai using the same modus operandi. In the process, Ndiya offered his Toyota Quantum and was given contract forms which they both signed.

The stolen car was later recovered from Mutovongi on February 27, 2023 who was using it in Mutare Central Business District.

Mutovongi is also facing a charge from Jesse Takavadii who is accusing him of fraud. The court head that on January 10, 2023, Mutovongi lied to Takavadii that he was the owner of a Toyota Regius and was selling it for US$4 500.

Jesse paid the whole amount to Mutovongi who had an intention of defrauding Takavadii leading to a prejudice of US$4 500 on the part of Takavadii.