daniel chigunwe
Zvikomborero Parafini
A CAR dealer is facing fraud allegations after he allegedly duped a City of Harare employee who wanted to buy a piece of land where he could farm.
Terai Mudzimukunze was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Isheanesu Matova.
The complainant is Lovemore Mangena, who is employed by the City of Harare, as the Chief Building Inspector.
The court heard that in December 2023, Mangena was introduced to Mudzimukunze by his friend Steven Soso.
Mangena expressed interest in acquiring a piece of land to do his farming projects.
Soso told Mangena that Mudzimukunze could assist him in acquiring land in Mashonaland East.
Takudzwa Chigutirwa, who is believed to be on the run, was also roped into the scheme.
The duo took Mangena and Soso to Goromonzi and showed them a piece of land measuring 70-80 Hectares at Bluewaters Farm.
When Mangena enquired about the paperwork related to the piece of land, the duo said he was supposed to pay appreciation money to the officials at the Ministry of Lands offices in Goromonzi so as to speed up the process of getting an offer letter.
Mangena advised them that he did not have the money and they agreed he could give them his car, a VW Bora.
The car is valued at US$4500.
The two said they would sell the car and then use the money to “pay” the officials at the Ministry of Lands.
In January last year, Mudzimukunze told Mangena the vehicle had not yet been bought and he advised him to pay US$1500 so as to initiate the process.
Mangena managed to raise US$1000 and gave it to Mudzimukunze.
Mangena later found out that he had been duped and he filed a police report.
Online Reporter