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Lovemore Meya Court Correspondent
A self-proclaimed prophet at Denomination Church allegedly swindled a Chitungwiza woman of $800 after telling her she would own a car by multiplying her cash through a miracle. Innocent Somanje (24), of no fixed aboard, also allegedly duped Annah Chigweshe’s (48) son, Pardon of $70 by promising him a job. The incident took place on July 20 this year when Somanje allegedly approached Annah and her son at their house, number 24229 Unit P in Chitungwiza.

He introduced himself as the founder and a prophet at Denomination Church, inviting them to join him. Annah and her son started going to Somanje’s church five days later. Further allegations are that he promised to secure Pardon a job at Makoni Metro Peach wholesalers.

For Somanje to do the task, he requested $15 from Pardon. He allegedly returned to Pardon and requested for a further $55.

Pardon later discovered that he had been duped after he approached Somanje demanding to know when he would start working.

Somanje allegedly failed to give him satisfactory answers and later became evasive.

On July 30, Annah attended church and during the service, Somanje allegedly prophesied that she was lucky and would soon own a vehicle and a house.

The following day, Somanje visited Annah requesting for cash to buy the vehicle. She told him her money was very little to buy a car. Somanje allegedly persuaded her to surrender the money promising to multiply it through a miracle.

He was given $500 before returning later demanding $110 more for administration costs.

The court heard that Somanje went away and returned demanding an additional $190 for vehicle registration and transportation.

After receiving the money, Somanje disappeared. Annah approached Somanje demanding to see the car and he told her it was at Makoni Shopping Centre.

But Somanje failed to produce the car. The matter was reported to police leading to his arrest.

He denied two counts of fraud before Chitungwiza magistrate, Ms Tafadzwa Miti.

Ms Miti remanded him to Friday for trial continuation on his own cognisance.

Mr Innocent Tizirai prosecuted.