Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
A 54-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has appeared in court facing allegations of defrauding a home seeker of R160,000 in a botched residential stand deal.
Labour Sibanda of Bradfield suburb pleaded not guilty to a charge of fraud when he appeared before Western Commonage Magistrate Mr Archie Wochiwunga. He was remanded in custody to 8 August for trial.
According to the State, represented by prosecutor Ms Audrey Kufandikanwe, the alleged offence occurred between December 2021 and November 2023.
The complainant, Mr Tatenda Ruwaza allegedly paid Sibanda R100 000 as part of an agreement to purchase a residential stand in Cowdray Park suburb in Bulawayo. Sibanda allegedly took Ruwaza to the site and assured him it was available for sale.
Further, Sibanda allegedly convinced Ruwaza to pay an additional R60 000, promising to construct a four-roomed house on the stand so that Ruwaza could move in once construction was completed.
However, the court heard that Sibanda failed to honour the agreement and kept giving the complainant false assurances. After months of unmet promises, Ruwaza reported the matter to the police leading to Sibanda’s arrest. The money was not recovered.
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