Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, B-Metro Reporter
A BULAWAYO grandmother’s dream of cashing in on her family home turned into a nightmare of betrayal and broken promises after a smooth-talking estate agent allegedly disappeared with US$13 650 in a housing hustle gone horribly wrong.
Siphiwe Banda (70) of Lobengula West was desperate to sell her late family’s house in Njube. In March this year, she approached the Master of the High Court for help, who then recommended an “acclaimed” city estate agent Wilfred Mafuka, who operates from Lapf House in the city centre.
He seemed legit — charming, confident, and connected. Banda and her relative agreed to let him handle the sale for US$14 000.
Within days, Mafuka found a willing buyer, Stanford Kujinga, and even took him to Bulawayo City Council offices to verify that the house was indeed Banda’s. Impressed by the hustle, Kujinga signed a sale agreement and paid US$12 000 — which was handed over to Banda.
But here’s where things got shady.
Mafuka allegedly demanded the money from Banda, claiming he would “distribute it” to family members since he was managing the sale. Banda trusted him — and gave it all.
Weeks later, Kujinga brought another US$1 650 as part of the remaining balance, which he gave to Mafuka. But instead of handing it to Banda, Mafuka allegedly ghosted — no calls, no texts, no office visits. Gone like a puff of smoke.
Panic set in. Banda and her relatives launched a frantic manhunt, combing the city for Mafuka. When they failed to locate him, they reported him to the police.
He was eventually arrested and dragged to court, where he appeared before Magistrate Beverly Madzikatire, facing two counts of theft of property, relating to the US$12 000 and US$1 650.
In court, Mafuka pleaded not guilty. His lawyer told the court Mafuka was only doing his job, and Banda had even paid him US$3 000 for his services.
He claimed the rest was shared fairly and admitted to receiving the US$1 650 — which he allegedly intended to pass on.
But Banda isn’t buying it.
Now, the case continues on 9 May, with more drama expected.
From house sale to house of horrors — this is one deal that went straight to the dogs!
derick.khumalo