POLICE have arrested a serial fraudster who got away with
about US$60 000 after swindling illegal money changers in Bulawayo and Harare.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul
Nyathi yesterday confirmed the arrest of
Malvirn Mtanda (35) from Harare.
Asst Comm Nyathi did
not reveal the number of fraud cases Mtanda is facing but said he allegedly
committed the offences between July last year and last month.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police have arrested a serial
fraudster for swindling unsuspecting members of the public of more than US$60
000 in Harare and Bulawayo. The suspect Malvirn Mtanda aged 35 years was found
in possession of identity particulars in the name of Gerald Magaya aged 36,”
said Asst Comm Nyathi.
He said Mtanda would develop good relations with his
victims before pouncing on them.
Asst Comm Nyathi said the accused defrauded a money changer
from Bulawayo on Monday last week before cops tracked him to his hideout in
Harare. “On the 17th of February 2020,
the accused approached the complainant and asked him to assist change a
substantial amount of money into RTGS. The accused claimed that he had US$ and
wanted ZWL cash. The complainant gave the accused person RTGS $105 000 after
collecting the money from his colleagues. The accused thereafter said he wanted
to change an additional US$4 000 to RTGS through Ecocash,” said Asst Comm
Nyathi.
He said after being given the money, Mtanda told his victim
to drive to a city hotel where he said he was booked.
Asst Comm Nyathi said upon arrival at the hotel, he told
his victim to remain in his car while he went to collect the money but instead
he vanished.
He said Mtanda’s victim reported the matter to the police,
leading to his arrest in Harare.
“It was also
established that the suspect had been defrauding people since July 2019 using
the same modus operandi. One of the complainants in Harare was swindled of
US$35 000,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
He said the victim who lost the US$35 000 was a
businessperson who buys and sells computers.
Asst Comm Nyathi said Mtanda told his victim that he could
change his US$35 000 into RTGS but he disappeared with the money.
“Members of the public are implored to engage in legal and
clear financial transactions with banks and registered merchants,” warned Asst
Comm Nyathi. Chronicle
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