(Last Updated on February 28, 2013 by Editor)
ZIMBABWE – A SUSPECTED serial fraudster allegedly posed as businessman Mutumwa Mawere’s personal assistant before hiring six vehicles from a local car rental company using the businessman’s name.
Thandiwe Dube (39) ran up a US$54 800 car rental bill from September 12 to October 26 last year. She has since failed to settle the arrears.
Dube misrepresented to the officials of Hilltop Travel and Tours that Mr Mawere was the president of a political party, United Movement for Democracy Party.
As his personal assistant she had the capacity to hire cars on behalf of the party. Dube yesterday appeared before magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei charged with fraud.
She was remanded in custody to March 13 for trial. Dube has several other pending cases of fraud before the same courts.
It is alleged that between September 12 and October 26 last year, Dube approached the company’s director and introduced herself as Mr Mawere’s personal assistant.
She advised the company’s officials that she wanted to hire cars on behalf of UMDP, it is alleged. It is the State’s case that Dube took six cars.
She is alleged to have made a promise to pay for the use of the vehicles later. She never did, after using the cars for two months.
According to the State, UMDP does no exist since it is not registered. A report to the police was made leading to Dube’s arrest.