Bogus lawyer remanded in custody

Michael Mashiri

A man, who allegedly lied that he was a lawyer and went to charged the complainant US$1 500, has been nabbed.

Vengai Sithole, 47, of Budiriro 5B, appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts charged with pretending to be a legal officer.

He was remanded in custody.

The complainant in this matter is Emilia Shana, 42.

The State, through prosecutor Grace Mugocheke, alleges that on September 1, Shana’s brother in-law, Langton Chidziva was remanded in custody in connection with a rape case.

It is alleged that on December 14, at around 1500 hours, Shana’s father-in-law called her and told her that Sithole wanted to represent Langton in court.

Sithole allegedly charged US$1 500 for application of bail at the High Court.

It is alleged that on December 15, at around 0900 hours, Shana met Sithole at Spar Supermarket, Harare Street CBD and then went to the Harare Magistrates’ Courts.

Sithole asked for his legal fees from Shana and she told him she only had US$200.

He was then given the US$200.

Shana then accompanied Sithole to Chitungwiza Magistrates’ Courts and remand prison where Sithole claimed to be processing papers for Langton’s bail.

It is alleged that Sithole entered any offices denying Shana access to them as she was always told to remain outside.

Shana began to be suspicious of Sithole after she was told by a certain prisoner that Sithole was not a lawyer.

Later, Shana and Sithole, allegedly went to Market Square Police Base where Sithole was asked to produce his practising certificate and he failed, leading to his arrest.

As a result, Shana lost US$200 in the process.