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Crime Reporter
Two Harare foreign currency dealers lost more than US$1 300 to a self-styled prophet after they had surrendered the money to him for cleansing in order to boost their operations.
The prophet, Oliver Machisi (36) reportedly converted the money into his own use and bought a DVD player, bed, blankets, preparation for his pregnant wife and various groceries.

He was arrested on Tuesday and is still assisting police with investigations. The incident occurred in Epworth last month before Machisi fled to reside in Glen View.
National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi today confirmed the incident.

He said on February 20, Machisi of Johanne Masowe was approached by a 21-year-old woman operating at Road Port Bus terminus who wanted her money to be cleansed.

“When she arrived at the suspect’s place, she also saw another woman aged 39, who also wanted her money to be cleansed to boost her business,” Chief Supt Nyathi said.

The two women were ordered to put US$20 each in a clay pot before they were told to leave the place.

The following day, Machisi phoned the two women and told them to bring more cash.

Chief Supt Nyathi said the 21-year-old brought US$1 220 while the other one brought US$60.

“They were ordered to leave the cash for cleansing and the suspect then bought various goods before fleeing to Glen View,” he said.

A report was made to the police who managed to arrest Machisi on Tuesday. He was taken to Epworth Police Station for further investigations.