A 51-YEAR-OLD man from Westgate, Harare, was yesterday arraigned before magistrate Dennis Mangosi over a US$7 405 fraud case.
John Chakahwanda, who allegedly masquaraded as a Lands ministry official before committing the offence, was granted US$50 bail and remanded to October 11 for trial.
The complainant is Munyaradzi Chifodya from Greystone Park in Harare.
Allegations are that on an unknown date in May this year, Chakahwanda met Chifodya after he was introduced to him by an official from the Lands ministry, Victor Mukuchamano.
Chifodya had indicated that he was looking for a piece of land, preferably a farm, to enhance his farming skills.
It is alleged that Chakahwanda told Chifodya that he was employed at the Lands ministry and was acquainted to the Lands officer in Mashonaland West province.
He allegedly told Chifodya that he would utilise the connection to acquire a farm in Mapinga or Zvimba district on his behalf.
Prosecutor Zebediah Bofu told the court that Chakahwanda also claimed that he would obtain an offer letter for Chifodya.
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Chifodya was asked to pay US$2 805 to Chakahwanda to kickstart the process.
However, according to the State, Mukuchamano later indicated that the process was being delayed by officers in Chinhoyi and reportedly demanded more money to motivate them.
Chifodya reportedly paid another US$3 500 to Chakahwanda.
The court also heard that on August 30 this year, Chakahwanda told Chifodya that he wanted US$700 which would be receipted.
He also allegedly demanded a further US$400 which was not receipted.
Chifodya reportedly paid.
However, when a colleague saw Chifodya’s papers he noticed that they had been used in a case in which he had been duped.
Chifodya reported the case to the police, leading to Chakahwanda’s arrest.
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