By Lloyd Takawira
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has urged the public to be on the lookout for thiefs masquerading as forex dealers.
This follows several reports of fraudsters swindling unsuspecting citizens of their hard earned money.
ZRP recently nabbed a conman, Malvin Mtanda swindled $60 000 from people in both Harare and Bulawayo.
Mtanda (35) was also found in possession of identity particulars of one Gerald Magaya (36).
In a statement, police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the first complainant was referred to Mtanda and they engaged in an illegal foreign currency exchange transaction.
On February 17, Mtanda approached the complainant and asked him to change a substantial amount of United States dollars into local currency. Mtanda was given $105 000. He told the complainant that he had US$4 000 which he wanted to convert through for EcoCash.
Mtanda allegedly gave the accused a mobile number into which $106 000 was transferred.
The complainant was asked to drive to a hotel in Bulawayo to collect the money where he was left in the car and Mtanda disappeared.
The accused also swindled a complainant in Harare of US$35 000.
“Members of the public are implored to engage in legal and clear financial transactions with banks and registered merchants,” Nyathi said.
