Wendall Parson fraud trial date set
By Innocent Ruwende
HARARE – The trial date for former Big Brother Africa winner Wendall Parson accused of fraud involving more than US$20 000 in a car insurance scandal has been set for August 6 this year.
Parson (25) recently appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei who advised him to attend his trial on that date. He is expected to go on trial together with his brother William.
Prosecutor Mr Tungamirai Chakurira alleged that on March 16, Wendall’s brother, William was involved in an accident while driving Wendall’s car, a Ford Ranger. The accident was reported at Borrowdale police station and it is alleged on the day the accident occurred, Wendall’s vehicle was not insured.
It is alleged that after the accident, Wendall connived with his brother and hatched a plan to defraud Alliance Insurance Pvt Ltd. On March 18, William allegedly went to insurance brokers where he applied for insurance for the Ford Ranger together with two trailers. He insured the vehicle comprehensively.
A few days after insuring the vehicle, it is alleged Wendall filed an insurance claim and attached fraudulent documents purporting that the accident occurred on March 28 when in actual fact it had occurred on March 16.
The insurance company processed the claim and Wendall was to be given US$23 750 for the vehicle. It is the State’s case that before he was given the money, the insurance risk department carried out investigations and discovered that the accident had occurred before the car was insured.
