Home seekers left US$5 000 poorer

the pair to today for bail ruling.
Prosecutor Mr Tungamirai Chakurira told the court that in June 2011 Tsungwe and Gadzikwa formed a bogus housing co-operative. It is alleged they named it Tafara Housing Co-operative. Afterwards they reportedly appointed themselves as chairman and secretary of the co-operative.
During the same month, Tsungwe and Gadzikwa advertised they had a piece of land in Tafara suburb with residential stands that were for sale, it is alleged. They allegedly claimed the land belonged to them when they were approached by Jane Tapfira (57) and Forget Gutuza (44). Tapfira and Gutuza met the pair at number 1251 Old Tafara where they were allegedly told each stand was going for US$5 000.
Mr Chakurira alleges that Tsungwe and Gadzikwa indicated they needed US$1 250 as deposit upfront.
Tapfira paid a total of US$3 620 for two stands while Gutuza paid US$1 250 for one stand, it is alleged.
Tapfira and Gutuza were allegedly issued with receipts in the name of the bogus co-operative before they were promised to be allocated the stands in three months time. After three months, Tsungwe and Gadzikwa became evasive when Tapfira and Gutuza made follow ups, the court heard.
The matter came to light in October this year when Tapfira and Gutuza allegedly established the housing co-operative was not registered and that the land did not belong to them.