Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
A Harare man accused of impersonating a former Harare City Council worker and swindling unsuspecting job seekers out of thousands of US dollars has been released on US$50 bail.
Erasmus Chingarande, who has been on remand since last Saturday, is scheduled to return to court on February 6. Prosecutors allege that Chingarande orchestrated a calculated scheme to defraud multiple victims by claiming he could secure them employment within the City Council.
The court was told that Chingarande’s alleged scam began in February last year when he approached several individuals, posing as a former employee of the Harare City Council’s security department.
To bolster his deception, he claimed to be involved in a Presidential initiative purportedly designed to create 500 jobs for unemployed youths.
Among the victims was Ms Leah Tafirenyika, who sought to assist her relatives find employment.
Chingarande reportedly convinced her that each job applicant was required to pay a US$20 registration fee.
He directed her to what he claimed was his office at Shepperton House along Joseph Msika Street, where he assured her the recruitment process was underway.
In late February last year, Ms Tafirenyika handed Chingarande US$100 at the corner of Gamal Abdel Nasser Road and Jason Moyo Avenue to register five of her relatives.
To make the scheme appear legitimate, Chingarande allegedly recorded the names of the applicants in a register.
On a subsequent visit to the purported office, Ms Tafirenyika paid an additional US$300 to register 15 more job seekers.
Encouraged by the promise of employment, she shared the opportunity with her co-workers, leading more victims into Chingarande’s trap.
Chingarande’s alleged fraudulent activities extended beyond Ms Tafirenyika. One victim reportedly paid US$100 to register five relatives, while another paid US$80 for four relatives.
Ms Josephine Ndaramu was duped out of US$100 she paid for five people. Another victim, Ms Grace Manyere, who had been referred to Chingarande by a Harare City Council employee, parted with US$175 for herself and seven relatives. Similarly, Ms Mercy Mukombwe paid US$60 for her two children and referred an additional 58 applicants, who collectively paid Chingarande US$1 740. Ms Mukombwe later refunded US$650 to some victims after realising it was a scam.
In total, the court heard that Chingarande defrauded his victims of US$2 855. None of the money has been recovered.
Prosecutors further revealed that Chingarande specifically targeted Harare City Council employees and their associates, exploiting their trust by presenting the scheme as an official recruitment initiative.
Chingarande’s alleged actions have left many victims financially strained and disillusioned, with the court proceedings expected to shed more light on the extent of his fraudulent operations.
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
