Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo
Court Correspondent
A 36-YEAR-OLD woman from Borrowdale suburb in Harare has appeared in court facing fraud charges after allegedly reselling a property she had already sold to another buyer, prejudicing the complainant of US$80 000.
The accused, Sabina Mapfanya, appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo, who granted her bail of US$300.
She was remanded to June 23 pending the finalisation of investigations.
The complainant is Bango Family Trust, represented by Mr Armstrong Mapanga.
Prosecutor Mr Takudzwa Jambawu told the court that in July 2025, Mapfanya allegedly approached the complainant offering to sell Villa 45 Carrick Creagh in Borrowdale, Harare, together with a semi-finished house on the property.
The court heard that Mapfanya allegedly indicated that she required funds to finance a business venture.
Following negotiations, the parties reportedly agreed on a purchase price of US$120 000, payable in instalments, with an initial deposit of US$27 000.
The complainant subsequently paid the deposit through his legal representatives, and Mapfanya allegedly signed an acknowledgement of debt confirming receipt of the funds.
After the agreement was concluded, the complainant reportedly began developing the property.
The State alleges that the complainant later travelled to Australia, leaving Mapfanya in occupation of the premises after she requested permission to remain there while searching for alternative accommodation.
During the complainant’s absence, Mapfanya allegedly took advantage of the arrangement and sold the property to another buyer without the complainant’s knowledge or consent.
The alleged fraud came to light in September 2025 when the complainant returned to Zimbabwe and sought to settle the outstanding balance for the property.
Upon making inquiries, he allegedly discovered that the property had already been sold to another purchaser.
A police report was subsequently filed, leading to investigations and Mapfanya’s arrest. According to the State, the complainant suffered a prejudice of US$80 000 and no recoveries have been made.
Investigations are continuing.
Peter Tanyanyiwa