A CHINHOYI man who defrauded five Bulawayo residents of nearly $4 000 after promising to organise scholarships to study in the United States claiming he had strong links to top Zanu PF officials has been ordered to reimburse the money and do 350 hours of community service.
BY SILAS NKALA
Shepherd Matsose (27) was convicted of five counts of fraud and sentenced to 24 months in jail by Bulawayo magistrate Merilyn Mutshina yesterday.
However, six months were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour. The remaining 18 months were also suspended on condition he restituted $2 741 to the victims before August 30.
Matsose was then ordered to perform 350 hours of community service.
Prosecutor Kudakwashe Jaravaza told the court that Matsose approached Barbra Zwambila of Northend, Bulawayo, between December 2013 and January 2014 and fleeced her of $936,80, claiming the money was for processing of application forms, medical examinations and other administrative costs.
Matsose lured another resident, Evelyn Marange of Queens Park, and collected $1 030 after misleading her into believing the money would enable her son to study in the US.
Using the same modus operandi, he conned Vuyolethu Andile Dube of Emakhandeni of $805, Lubelihle Nobesuthu Nyathi of Emgwanwini of $374 and Nkosinesisa Saneliso Nyathi of $805 after promising them US scholarships.
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The victims later reported the matter to police, leading to Matsose’s arrest.
Total prejudice suffered amounted to $3 800,80 and nothing was recovered.
