Blessing Rwizi Post Correspondent
A 66-YEAR-OLD Mutare woman on Monday appeared in court facing eight counts of fraud. Allegations were that between March and June this year, Irene Matanha operated from the Meikles Park, where she masqueraded as an agent offering loans to farmers.
She defrauded eight different farmers of $700 on separate occasions. Matanha appeared before Mr Poterai Gwezhira, who found her guilty and slapped her with a 30-month jail term, of which 14 months were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
Eight more months were suspended on condition of paying back the $700 to the eight complainants, while the remaining eight were suspended on condition of completing 280 hours of community service at Chikanga Police Station.
Mr Fletcher Karombe prosecuted.
“Matanha operated from Meikles Park between March and June misrepresenting herself as a Zimfat agent offering loans to farmers.
“The eight who fell prey to Matanha are Partison Marufu, Handsworth Gaiko, Chido Thore, Enerth Chenjerai, Marvise Chikamu, Margret Mazwieguta, Allen Maguma and Pedzisai Mukumba.
She charged between $50 and $200 each, promising to organise $3 500 as loans.
Matanha failed to facilitate the loans that she had promised them.
The money that she took from the complainants was not recovered,” said Mr Karombe.