HARARE - A Harare magistrate has jailed a bogus Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) operative who allegedly swindled six people after lying he was able to facilitate their recruitment into the secretive organisation.

Magistrate Audrey Tarugarira yesterday sentenced Khomani Jarzin Mbichani to 28 months in prison.

The 45-year-old will spend 14 months behind bars after eight months were suspended on condition of good behaviour for the next five years.

A further six months were set aside on condition Mbichani pays back the complainants.

The court heard Mbichani lied to Austin Musasike, Victor Marumwisa, Tatenda Gwadya, Leonard Musasike, Abinel Musasike and Adam Nyanguwe that he was employed by the President’s Office and was able to assist them to be recruited into the organisation.

Mbichani was given $2 540 by the six, which he claimed was for the processing of application forms in August last year.

He told the six that they were going to be trained in Dubai, Russia and Washington DC before taking them to the Harare International Airport on a “familiarisation tour”.

Using the same modus operandi, Mbichani lied to Teclar Musasike that he was a CIO operative and could assist her in recovering her stolen French door if she paid $350.

He further lied to Musasike that he could facilitate her husband’s pension funds if she paid $615.

Upon receiving the money Mbichani disappeared for good. Mbichani was later arrested after a trap was set up by one of the six complainants. - Ivan Zhakata