Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
A Harare City employee has appeared in court on allegations of defrauding a home seeker of US$120 000 in a botched stand deal.
Charles Sigauke (51) was released on US$500 bail by Harare magistrate, Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa.
Sigauke was ordered to reside at his given address until the matter is finalised.
The court heard that on April 27, 2024, Sigauke and Josphat Chidamoyo allegedly decided to sell a stand in Greystone Park, Harare, measuring 4000 square metres.
It is the State’s case that the complainant, Edelite Muzavazi, expressed an interest in the stand and on May 9, 2024, she and the accused proceeded to view it.
On May 11, 2024, Sigauke and the complainant signed an agreement of sale for the stand.
The stand was valued at US$150 000 and Muzavazi paid a deposit of US$100 000.
The balance was supposed to be paid in instalments over six months.
The court heard that on June 26, 2024, the complainant paid US$26 000 and tried to transfer the stand’s cession from Sigauke’s name to hers but failed.
She then approached the City of Harare over the issue.
Muzavazi also tried to contact the accused person but he became evasive.
The complainant then made a police report and investigations established that Sigauke was issued with an offer letter for the stand in April 2019 but failed to pay for it.
Muzavazi was prejudiced of US$120 000 and nothing was recovered.
