Story by Yolanda Moyo
A Bulawayo-based car dealer is on the run after allegedly swindling nine people of over US$100 000.
The alleged fraudster Itayi Chipfakanya aged 43, a proprietor of Quality Motors which buys and sells motor vehicles in Bulawayo, is accused of swindling nine unsuspecting complainants after promising to import motor vehicles of their choice on their behalf.
Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect who allegedly conned the complainants between September 2021 and September 2023.
“After the lapse of the agreed time, the accused person started becoming evasive and failed to deliver. His cell phones are no longer reachable leading to the complainants making police reports. The first victim, who wanted to buy a Toyota Fortuner, suffered a loss of US$35 000, while the second victim, who wanted to buy an Isuzu KB300, suffered a loss of US$15 000. The third victim, who wanted to buy a Honda CRV, suffered a loss of US$18 000.
“The fourth victim, who wanted a Toyota Dyna, suffered a loss of US$13 500. The other victim, who wanted a Nissan Note, suffered a loss of US$3 400, and the sixth victim, who wanted a Toyota Wish, lost US$2 600. The other victim, who wanted a Mazda CX5, lost US$8 000. The other, who wanted a Toyota Axio, lost US$4 700, while another, who wanted a Nissan Juke, lost US$5 900,” said the Zimbabwe Republic Police Bulawayo spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube.
The suspect is said to have collected money from the complainants with a promise to deliver their vehicles in six weeks.
