MARTIN MAWAYA
The City of Gweru has cracked down on cartels that were issuing fake business licenses, thereby depriving the local authority of thousands of dollars in potential revenue.
Tinotenda Ndlovu (31) of Mkoba 13 appeared before Gweru Provincial Magistrate Arnold Maburo, facing four counts of fraud.
Ndlovu pleaded guilty to generating and issuing fake shop licenses to four shop owners at Africa Mall.
The state, led by Taurai Mavuto, alleged that from February to April 23, 2024, at Africa Mall, Ndlovu misrepresented to Dorcas Maphosa, Shebba Golide, Rabecca Shamiso Gumbo, and Tinashe Kupamba by issuing them fake City of Gweru shop licenses, for which he collected $100 from each shop owner.
The fraud was discovered on April 17, 2024, when council employees conducting shop license inspections found that Maphosa, Golide, Gumbo, and Kupamba were displaying fake licenses.
Ndlovu was remanded in custody for sentencing on Thursday.
