The couple, represented by Bob Siansole of Ncube Attorneys,
appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Nomagugu Maphosa.
Magistrate Maphosa, as part of the bail conditions, ordered
the couple, Melusi Ndlovu (36) and his
wife Gwendoline Ndlovu (35) to surrender their travel documents, reside at
their given address, report to the CID Commercial Crimes division and not
interfere with State witnesses.
Siansole, in his bail application, submitted that his
clients’ passports did not have visas to Ireland as had been alleged,
dismissing that they intended to flee the country.
The State had also ordered that as part of the bail
condition, they surrender title deeds to their home but the lawyer submitted
that the couple did not own any immovable property.
State representative, Tsungi Mutapi, told the court that
the couple defrauded a total of 43 people of US$117 831 and only US$2 850 was
recovered.
“On an unknown date, the accused persons hatched a plan to
defraud the complainants who were seeking employment abroad. As such, they
advertised on WhatsApp groups under the name National Research Advocacy Trust
that they were able to facilitate employment locals abroad and acquire
certificate of Sponsorship on behalf the complainants,” Mutapi said.
“The complainants responded, unbeknown to them that the
trust is registered for the purposes of helping in developing of the Zimbabwean
communities to provide the alleged services. The accused misrepresented to the
43 complainants that they were registered agents who had the capacity to
process visas for employment to countries such as Canada, Ireland and the
United Kingdom.”
Mutapi added, “Upon lapse of the agreed period of
departure, the accused became evasive and one complainant Sithuliso Ndlovu
discovered that they were moving their office address intending to flee from
Zimbabwe leading to police reports.” CITE
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