Brothers lose US$800 to fake prophets

THREE Chivhu brothers lost US$800 to a fake Harare prophet who promised to multiply the amount seven-fold.

The “prophet”, who was only identified as Tarudzwa, lured Tendai Tavengwa (38) of Mvuma with the help of his four accomplices into believing that he had powers to multiply money.

Tarudzwa escaped when Tendai and his brothers Martin Tavengwa (25) and Marshall Tavengwa (27) discovered that they had been duped.

Harare Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza confirmed the arrest of Tarudzwa’s accomplices — Fidelis Taurai Chivasa (66) of Mvuma, Tonderai Perai (47) of Chitungwiza, Vincent Johnson (29) of Epworth and Cain Jonasi (46) of Chitungwiza.

“Police are investigating a case involving three brothers who lost their money to five suspects in Dzivaresekwa,” said Insp Mwanza.

“It is alleged that on the 27th of November 2021 at around 1400 hours, Tendai Tavengwa was lured through a phone call by one Tarudzwa to the effect that, he knew someone who performs miracles of turning US$1 000 into US$7 000.

“The complainants then reportedly contributed cash amounting to US$800.

“On the 28th of November 2021 at around 1900 hours, the complainants and Tarudzwa allegedly proceeded to Harare and slept at Tonderai Perai’s house.

“Some of the complainants were reported to have proceeded to Dzivaresekwa residential suburb where they met Vincent Johnson at ZUVA Service Station at Dzivaresekwa 2 shops.

“Johnson led them to an unknown address in Dzivaresekwa 1, where they met Tarudzwa.

Tarudzwa is believed to have then instructed Tendai Tavengwa to collect an avocado leaf from the tree and placed it between a khaki paper and uttered the words; “Sandawana ndipe mari”.

“When Tendai opened the paper the avocado leaf allegedly turned into US$10.

“Tarudzwa then instructed Tendai to put US$800 on a white cloth and give it to Tarudzwa.

“He then told the complainants to go and wait for him at Dzivaresekwa 1 shops while he “sorted” their money.

“After about 5 minutes, complainants returned to Tarudzwa’s place of residence and spotted him boarding a Toyota Wish, black in colour, without number plates.

“They tried in vain to stop Tarudzwa and managed to apprehend the four accused persons who were detained at Dzivaresekwa Police Station.

“Investigations are in progress,” said Insp Mwanza.

“Members of the public should be wary of criminals who dupe them of their hard earned money through tricks which are believed to enhance their wealth.

“Such criminals must be reported to the police.

“We are currently looking for the fifth suspect who is on the run.

“Anyone with any information should report to any nearest police station,” said Insp Mwanza.