Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
Herald Reporter
CHITUNGWIZA Municipality has warned the public against buying residential stands near Zengeza 8 Primary School in Zengeza 3 that are being sold illegally, with fraudsters using WhatsApp platforms to dupe unsuspecting home seekers.
In a public notice, acting town clerk Mr Japson Nemuseso said council had received reports that certain individuals were unlawfully advertising and selling stands on land adjacent to the school without any authority from the municipality.
According to the notice, the alleged sellers are using WhatsApp groups with limited membership to market the stands, apparently in an attempt to avoid scrutiny from authorities.
Mr Nemuseso said Chitungwiza Municipality had not authorised any individual, group or company to peg, allocate or sell stands in the area on its behalf.
“Chitungwiza Municipality hereby categorically states that it has not authorised any individual, group or company to peg, allocate or sell stands on its behalf in the area concerned.
“The site plan being circulated to prospective buyers is fraudulent and has no connection with Chitungwiza Municipality.
“Council is not issuing any offer letters in respect of these alleged stands.
“Claims are that prospective beneficiaries are required to pay US$300 for an offer letter.
“Any transactions entered into with the individuals involved are illegal and council dissociates itself entirely from such dealings,” he said.
Mr Nemuseso stressed that the only legitimate way to acquire a residential stand in Chitungwiza was through official council channels, with all payments made directly to the municipality and supported by official receipts.
“The only lawful way to acquire a residential stand is through council’s official channels with all payments made directly to council and supported by official receipts,” he said.
Council urged anyone who may have paid money to the alleged land dealers or fallen victim to the scheme to report the matter to the nearest police station.
The municipality also advised prospective home seekers to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any land transaction with council before making payments.
Mr Nemuseso warned that illegal land sales and developments constituted a violation of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act.
“In terms of the Criminal Penalties Amendment Act No. 22 of 2001, any person who carries out development in contravention of Section 24(1) of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding Level Seven or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both such fine and imprisonment.”
He urged residents to report any suspected illegal land sales to either Chitungwiza Municipality or the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
