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A Hatfield businessman has appeared in court for allegedly duping his clients of over $800 in goods and cash on different occasions on the pretext that he could provide them with cash and meat.

George Gumbo (47) appeared before Chitungwiza magistrate Mrs Blessing Murwisi facing four counts of theft of trust property.

He pleaded not guilty and was granted $50 bail.

The prosecutor, Mrs Beaular Chikono, alleged that on June 10, at Makoni Shopping Centre, Gumbo approached Spiwe Muzonde (73) and told her that he had $200 cash that he wanted to use to buy groceries for his shop.

He convinced her to use her bank card to pay for the groceries in exchange for the cash.

He promised to handover the cash after the transaction, but did not do so.

Mrs Chikono further alleged that on the same day, Innocent Tigere (42) gave Gumbo 39 dressed chickens worth $142,58 to sell in his butchery on the basis that he would get cash once they were sold out.

After about a week, Tigere approached Gumbo for his money, but he became evasive.

On June 17, at Unit M in Seke, Tsitsi Ngorima (38) gave Gumbo dressed chickens worth $430 for sale.

After a week, she went to look for Gumbo at his butchery and was told that he had moved out. — HR.