TWO men have been arrested while their accomplice is still at large after they allegedly defrauded a gold and diamond buyer of US$3 000 under the pretext of selling him the minerals.

Philip Mpofu (63) from Nkulumane in Bulawayo and Mandlenkosi Sibanda (33) from Filabusi were not asked to plead when they appeared before Gwanda magistrate Mrs Nomagugu Sibanda facing a fraud charge last week. They were remanded in custody to 24 February for trial.

Prosecuting, Mr Mncedisi Dube said the pair and their accomplice only identified as SaThembelani met the complainant, Mr Tshiyane Ncube on 18 January and indicated that they were selling gold and diamond pieces.

“On 18 January Mpofu, Sibanda and their accomplice only identified as SaThembelani met Mr Tshiyane who is a gold and diamond dealer at Stanmore Business Centre in Gwanda District and told him that they were selling pieces of gold and diamond which were in Esigodini.

“They collected US$3 000 from Mr Ncube and indicated that he would go with SaThembelani to Esigodini to collect the minerals. Along the way SaThembelani indicated that he wanted to relieve himself and he went on to disappear with the complainant’s money. The complainant reported the matter to the police,’’ he said.-State media