Police Officer Duped in Fake Benz Deal

Munyaradzi Mashiri – Court Correspondent

A Harare businessman and director of Niro Asset Group has appeared in court facing fraud charges after allegedly deceiving a police officer into handing over her Toyota Noah, valued at US$4,100, under the false promise of receiving a Mercedes Benz.

Nicholas Misodzi, 42, of Gunhill, Chinhoyi, appeared before magistrate Ruth Moyo at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts. He was jointly charged with his company, Niro Asset Group.

The complainant, Gloria Chikoko, 38, a police officer stationed at ZRP Chiredzi Traffic, was allegedly lured into the deal by two men, Jaison Sembwere and Freddy Sithole, who posed as sales agents for Niro Asset Group.

According to State prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu, the incident took place on May 4, 2016, at a Harare office, where Chikoko was told the company specialized in buying and selling vehicles. She agreed to surrender her Toyota Noah, registration number ADN 4145, in exchange for a Mercedes Benz, which Misodzi promised would be delivered within two months.

When the promised period elapsed, Misodzi allegedly claimed the vehicle was held up at the Beitbridge border due to clearance issues. 

He then became evasive, prompting Chikoko to file a police report after realising she had been duped.