By Rex Mphisa
A South African medical doctor was allegedly duped into believing a contract to supply the Zimbabwe National Army with medicals and pharmaceutical supplies was being arranged for him in a winding method during which his car was stolen.
Bulumho Alwgin Futshame of 54 – 90th Avenue Walmer, Port Elizabeth South Africa, the doctor, with Beyond Zero Organisation of 100 Moore East London, South Africa was left sitting as Beitbridge residents Dickson Ndawana (42) and Edmore Majinjiwa (49) drove away his car and never returned.
It is alleged on July 26 this year, Ndawana, Majinjiwa, one Gabriel Chikono, already on remand with the same case, Mlungisi Bruce Ndlovu whose details are unknown and one Melusi, whose further particulars are unknown, the last two at large, planned Futshame’s car.
The vehicle is a Silver Toyota Hilux Chassis number AHTHA3CD10343626 Engine number 1GD0829229 with South African registration number JIND702EC.
Acting jointly, the five now accused, told their alleged victim that Zimbabwe National Army had a shortage of medical drugs hence there was need for constant supply from someone with a reputable company.
Futshame was further advised he was to meet one Army Commander by the name General Humba based in Bulawayo who would take him to the Zimbabwe Army Chief Executive Officer of the Military Medical Sector to finalise the deal,
Ndlovu and Melusi drove Futshame from South Africa to Bulawayo where they told the him Army General Commander Humba was in Harare.
They all proceeded to Harare with Futshame where they met Ndawana and Majinjiwa at a hotel who were introduced to the complainant as Army General Commanders.
But after failing to meet the purported Army Chief Executive Officer Futshame decided to return to South Africa. Ndawana and Majinjiwa drove with him to Beitbridge.
At Beitbridge accused persons requested to drive his car and drop a parcel at a military base but would meet him on the SA side of the border but never showed up prompting Futshame to report them to the police.
He later activated the motor vehicle tracking system leading to the arrest of Gabriel Chikono and recovery of the motor vehicle at his garage in Chitungwiza.
Prosecutor Wilbrought Muleya said on August 30, this year Futshame saw Ndawana and Majinjiwa at Lava Lounge restaurant, Beitbridge leading to their arrest.
The stole car valued at USD35 000-00 was wholly recovered.
Muleya said Nadawana, Majinjiwa and Chikono will jointly appear on September17, when the trial is likely to start.
Regional Magistrate Charity Maphosa is presiding.