Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
A City of Harare councillor is in trouble after allegedly duping a desperate home seeker.
Melody Manondo, of Epworth Ward 4 is alleged to have duped Stella Akimo, 58, her US$2500 after promising a residential stand belonging to a third party.
Cllr Manondo allegedly took Stella to Epworth Local Board where she introduced her to another person, Kudakwashe Chatambudza who was parked outside the gate.
Stella was asked to pay US$2 500 and another US$340 in full for the residential stand.
Cllr Manondo and Kudakwashe’s unholy alliance came to light when Stella went to pay for the re-allocation fee at Epowrth Local Board where she was told that the stand belonged to another person.
She tried in vain to contact the two and they became evasive.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the case.
“Police are investigating a fraud case involving a ward councillor and another accused person.
“The complainant was approached by one of the accused persons who introduced herself as a councillor for Epworth Ward 4.
“The accused person told the complainant that she was allocating stands in her ward.
“The complainant indicated that she was interested and she was asked to pay US$340 at Epworth Local Board and she did so and was issued an official receipt.
“The accused person took the complainant to the second accused person, who was parked outside the council premises.
“First accused introduced the complainant to second accused whom she said was a former councillor for Epworth ward 4.
“First accused asked second accused to consider the complainant for a residential stand.
“The complainant and second accused person proceeded to Epworth Ward 4 where there was a 200m2 stand.
“She was shown a residential stand, and she was satisfied and was asked to pay US$2500 cash and she paid all but was not given a receipt,” said Insp Chakanza.
