44-Year Old Deceives Police Officer with Disguised...

44-Year Old Deceives Police Officer with Disguised Identity, Charged with Fraud

A police officer was conned of US$1250 by a Gweru man who masqueraded as a regional magistrate.

Hardlife Sibanda, 44, was convicted of fraud and impersonation by Gweru Provincial Magistrate, Tendai Mahwe.

Sibanda will effectively serve 20 months in prison after Mahwe suspended other 4 months for good behavior and 6 months on condition that he restitutes one Loice Dube a sum of US$1 250 and ZW$120 000.

Prosecutor Taurai Mavuto said September 26, 2023 at Gweru Magistrate Courts, Sibanda masqueraded to Constable Audrey Dube as regional magistrate.

He proceeded to the magistrate court police post holding a black gown and introduced himself to Police there as a magistrate from Bulawayo.

On another account, in June this year, Sibanda went to Nehanda Police Station in Gweru where he introduced himself to Loice Dube, a Police officer as magistrate Chauke stationed at Hwange but currently on leave.

Sibanda told Dube that he had an account with ZIMRA, Beitbridge and that he could facilitate buying of cheap vehicles at Zimra auctions.

On August 2, 2023 he told Dube that there was going to be a vehicle auction at Beitbridge on August 15 and there was a good Mazda Demio that was going for US$1 000.

He told Dube to give the money to his nephew only identified as Gerald of she was interested in the car. Dube complied and handed over the money to Gerald.

On August 5, 2023 he told Dube that the car had been paid for and US$250 top up for fuel and hiring a driver as well as ZW$120 000 for ZIMRA clearance was required.

Sibanda received the money and told Dube that he was going to deliver the vehicle on August 15.

He however started ignoring Dube’s calls and on September 26, 2023, Dube was informed that Sibanda was arrested at Gweru Central Police Station and she proceeded to file her report.