By Judith Nyuke
A desperate Harare homeseeker was left counting his loss recently after losing US$5 200 to two people in a botched residential stand deal.
Tawanda Jambwa and Charity Masondo deceitfully represented to Ruvimborashe Mukuze that they were the owners of a 501-square-meter residential stand located in Chadcombe, Harare, which they purported to sell for a price of US$10,000.
After paying US$5,200 and attempting to occupy the stand, Mukuze discovered that it belonged to someone else.
Jambwa and Masondo appeared before Harare magistrate Apollonia Marutya charged with fraud.
They were granted USD$100 bail each and the matter was rolled over to 7 January next year.
According to court papers, allegations are that sometime in July 2024, Mukuze thought of purchasing a residential stand and began searching for an ideal person who could assist him. He was then referred to Jambwa by his friend and he approached him.
Jambwa indicated that Masondo had a stand which she was offering for sale in Msasa Park, Harare.
Jambwa took Mukuze to Masondo who indicated that she was the owner of stand number 4747 of the remainder of stand 560 Chadcombe Township measuring 501 square meters which she was offering for sale at a purchase price of US$ 10 000.00.
The complainant requested to view the stand and was taken to the aforementioned stand by the two accused persons. The pair assured Mukuze that the stand had no pending issues.
Upon viewing the stand, Mukuze was reportedly satisfied and both parties agreed that upon payment of a deposit of at least US$4 500.00, he would take occupation of the stand.
On 19 July 2024, Mukuze paid a deposit of US$ 4500.00 to the accused persons. An agreement of sale was signed between the complainant and Masondo whilst Jambwa signed as a witness.
Masondo signed an acknowledgement of receipt of the money. On 30 August 2024, the complainant made another payment of US$ 700.00 to the accused persons.
Masondo also signed an acknowledgement of receipt of the money.
When Mukuze tried to occupy the stand, he discovered that it belonged to another person.
Further allegations are that Mukuze tried to engage the accused persons but nothing materialized. The accused persons started ignoring his calls and became elusive.
On 21 November 2024, Mukuze made a report to the police and investigations made by police led to the arrest of the two accused persons.
Total value prejudiced is US$5 200.00 and nothing was recovered.
