An alleged fraudster from Bulawayo is on the run after he swindled nine unsuspecting individuals of US$106,000 in botched car deals.
Itayi Chipfakanya (43) allegedly committed the offences between September 2021 and September 2023.
Bulawayo police spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube, said the police are appealing for information about his whereabouts.
Inspector Ncube said Chipfakanya, a proprietor of Quality Motors in Bulawayo dealing in buying and selling motor vehicles, misrepresented himself to nine individuals, promising them that he would import motor vehicles of their choice on their behalf.
“We are appealing for information that may assist in the location and arrest of a fraudster, Itayi Chipfakanya, a 43-year-old male adult facing nine counts of fraud. His last known address is from Nkulumane, Bulawayo,” Inspector Ncube said.
“Within the stated period (2021-2023), Chipfakanya collected money from the complainants, promising to deliver their motor vehicles within six weeks. After the lapse of the agreed time, Chipfakanya became evasive and failed to deliver. His phones were no longer reachable, leading the complainants to make police reports.”
Inspector Ncube said the first victim, who wanted to buy a Toyota Fortuner, suffered a loss of USD 35,000, while the second victim, who wanted to buy an Isuzu KB300, suffered a loss of USD 15,000.
“The third victim, who wanted to buy a Honda CRV, suffered a loss of USD 18,000; the fourth victim, who wanted a Toyota Dyna, suffered a loss of USD 13,500. The other victim, who wanted a Nissan Note, suffered a loss of USD 3,400,
“The sixth victim, who wanted a Toyota Wish, lost USD 2,600. The other victim, who wanted a Mazda CX5, lost USD 8,000. The other, who wanted a Toyota Axio, lost USD 4,700, while another, who wanted a Nissan Juke, lost USD 5,900.”
Inspector Ncube said anyone with information may contact the Officer In Charge CID Commercial Crimes Division on (0292) 78446 or report at any nearest police station.
