The ManicaPost
Weekender Correspondents
FOR allegedly duping job seekers in Nyanga of their hard earned cash and misrepresenting himself as a member of the Central Intelligence Office, a Chimanimani man was arraigned before the courts.
Isaiah Ruchiwo (39) of Mukotsori Village, Chief Mutambara, denied the two counts of fraud he was facing when he appeared before senior Mutare magistrate, Mr Langton Mukwengi.
The State alleged that Ruchiwo had contravened Section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9: 23.
The matter was adjourned to October 14.
Mr Fletcher Karombe prosecuted.
Allegations were that sometime in June, Ruchiwo and Obert Nyamudzanaka started communicating through cellphones.
Ruchiwo is also alleged to have introduced himself to Nyamudzanaka as Headwig Chapuwa and was employed as a teacher in Odzi.
“He said he had some connections in the Central Intelligence Organisation and Zanu-PF and would secure employment for Nyamudzanaka as a youth officer.
“Over their phone conversations, Ruchiwo said Zanu-PF was availing money for projects. The money would only be given to youth officers,” said Mr Karombe.
It was further alleged that Ruchiwo asked Nyamudzanaka to deposit $300 into his Ecocash account.
After depositing the required money, Ruchiwo never contacted Nyamudzanaka again.
He was duped of $420 and nothing was recovered.
Ruchiwo is alleged to have duped a love seeker in Nyanga, Thokozile Nyagato. Nyagato is employed as a librarian at Nyatate Secondary School.
It was alleged that he took Nyagato’s number from The Manica Post’s Dateline column where she had placed it and called her. He introduced himself again as Headwig Chapuwa, a teacher in Odzi and proposed love to her.
“They fell in love and told Nyagato that he was connected to the CIO and could help her secure a better job as a youth officer,” said Mr Karombe.
He further advised her to deposit $400 into his Ecocash account for the processing of her recruitment.
Nyagato sent $207 to Ruchiwo’s Ecocash number and he confirmed receipt of the money.
However, after a few days Nyagato’s calls went unanswered and she became suspicious that she had been defrauded of her money.
A police report was made leading to Ruchiwo’s arrest.
The cell phone number that was used in both incidences was 0779 303 889.
Ruchiwo was remanded in custody to October 14.
