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Yeukai Karengezeka-Court Correspondent
Epworth Local Board Ward 6 Councillor Nobody Makoni, who allegedly used his position to defraud an unsuspecting land seeker, was remanded in custody yesterday pending his bail ruling next Tuesday.
Makoni (52) was brought before Harare magistrate Mr Dennis Mangosi charged with criminal abuse of office as a public officer.
The victim is Mr Proud Chimhau, who was conned of US$450 when given false information about a stand he had bought and was selling.
Prosecutor Mr Rufaro Chonzi alleged that in 2022, Mr Chimhau was allocated a residential stand Number 21059 in Overspill by the Epworth Local Board and developed it.
In January this year, Mr Chimhau then sold the stand to Ms Monica Chibvura for US$ 4,500, and gave her all the relevant papers.
Ms Chibvura approached the Epworth Local Board for what should have been a routine change of ownership and the seller and buyer were advised to patiently wait for the due process of change of ownership to take place.
During the process of waiting, Makoni allegedly approached Ms Chibvura saying the residential stand she had bought was double allocated.
Ms Chibvura then advised Mr Chimhau on the issue of double allocation of the stand.
It is alleged that Makoni then approached Mr Chimhau and demanded US$450 and was paid in full.
The court heard Mr Chimhau later approached the Epworth Local Board for clarification on the issues of his stand and it was established that there was no double allocation and his stand had no arrears.
He then went to the police to file a report, leading to Makoni’s arrest on September 25.
Online Reporter