By Lorraine Ndebele
A Harare woman, who was trying to win the freedom of her imprisoned husband, fell into further catastrophe in July after she was duped by a bogus lawyer who claimed he could secure the release of her husband upon payment of US$3,000 to bribe magistrate and the prosecutor.
Evelyn Chirengwa’s husband is currently locked up for illegal possession of ivory. She accuses Beaven Chipunza of falsifying that he was a legal practitioner and defrauding her.
Chipunza was arraigned before the Harare Magistrate Dennis Mangosi on Thursday charged with fraud. He denies the charges.
It is the State’s case that on the 9th of July 2021, Evelyn Chirengwa met Chipunza a Zimbabwe Open University Offices, Harare whilst on her way to look for a legal practitioner to assist her following the conviction of her husband on a charge of unlawful possession of ivory.
The court heard that Chipunza indicated to Chirengwa that he was a Lawyer attached to Dube, Tachiona and Tsvangirai Law Firm and was able to assist with processing Bail Pending Appeal at High Court in respect of complainant’s husband who was imprisoned.
It was further alleged that during the period extending from 10 July 202 to 14 September 2021, Chipunza demanded various legal fees from Evelyn who then paid a total of US 3000 in form of cash to him.
On the 17th of November, Chirengwa is said to have requested for receipts from Chipunza who failed to present them which made her proceed to Dube, Tachiona and Tsvangirai Law Firm where she wanted to enquirer about her case.
Chirengwa was advised that Chipunza was not a Lawyer with their law firm.
She made a report to the Police leading to the arrest of Chipunza whom upon his arrest was found in possession of the Practicing Certificate belonging to Tungamirai Muganhiri, a Legal Practitioner attached to Machaya and Associates Law Firm.
A check was carried out with the Law Society of Zimbabwe and they confirmed that Chipunza is not a registered Legal Practitioner in Zimbabwe.
