A ploy to defraud an ailing Beatrice man of $250 by a teenage tsikamutanda ended badly after he was caught red-handed trying to plant a fake goblin.

Blessed Gahwa (19) from Plot number 5 Nyakaruru Farm, Beatrice, was yesterday fined $100 after pleading guilty to fraud. Gahwa with his friend Lastern Simba, who is still on the run went to Partson Chipunza’s house at Mnandi Farm on October 14.

 They claimed Chipunza’s illness was being caused by a goblin in his house and on arrival they asked for some privacy. Gahwa later on boiled some “medicine” which he asked Chipunza to use to cleanse himself. He demanded $250 for the services.

The two proceeded into one of Chipunza’s rooms, but the latter, who was increasingly suspicious, instructed Biggie Nosenga to keep a watch on them. Nosenga managed to catch the duo in the act, trying to put a goblin-like creature in Chipunza’s room. The case was reported to the police, leading to Gahwa’s arrest. Simba, however, managed to escape. Ms Ntombikayise Nleya-Mtlongwa prosecuted.