Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
A HARARE structural engineer has appeared in court accused of fraudulently transferring a residential property, valued at US$60,000, which was at the centre of a dispute with his former wife.
Shingirai Fibion Nhowe appeared before Harare magistrate, Ruth Moyo, facing a charge of fraud.
The State, represented by Takudzwa Jambawo, alleges that Nhowe and his former wife divorced at the High Court in 2021 after marrying in 2011.
According to the State, the dispute involves a property known as Stand 13867 Salisbury Township of Ridgeview, Belvedere, Harare, which was allegedly acquired during the subsistence of their marriage.
It is alleged that before the divorce proceedings were concluded, Nhowe approached the City of Harare seeking a subdivision permit for the property.
The permit was subsequently granted but the State alleges that it contained conditions which had to be fulfilled before the property could be transferred.
Nhowe allegedly later engaged an estate agent and entered into an agreement for the sale of Stand 40715 Harare Township, which had been created through the subdivision.
Prosecutors allege that the Registrar of Deeds required a certificate of compliance from the City of Harare before transfer could be effected because the subdivision conditions had allegedly not been met.
The State alleges that Nhowe then produced a false certificate of compliance, purportedly issued by City of Harare officials, together with other documents which were submitted to the Deeds Registry.
The documents resulted in the production of title deeds for the property.
The State further alleges that the property was subsequently sold and transferred to another person.
The alleged prejudice is US$60,000 and nothing was recovered.
