Land developer up for US$75k fraud

Magistrate Ashton Dube challenged Machika’s justification, saying his actions were a direct violation of the child’s rights and an obstruction of due legal process.

Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
The Africa Land Developers Private Limited has been arraigned before the courts for allegedly duping a client of US$75 000 in a commercial stand deal.
Never Munava, who was granted $200 bail by Harare magistrate, Ms Patricia Kamwanda, represents the company.
Munava will return to court on October 7.
The complainant is Virtutrade Trading Private Limited, represented by Mr George Tembo.
Prosecuting, Mr Rufaro Chonzi said in February, Tembo wanted to purchase a commercial stand and Munava confirmed that he had one in Southlea Park, Harare, measuring 10 000 square metres.
Munava advised Tembo that the price of the commercial stand was US$140 000.
The court heard that from February 26 to April 17 this year, Tembo made a payment of US$75 000 to Munava and received receipts.
Munava promised Tembo that he would hand over the lease of the property after receiving full payment.
However, Tembo made some inquiries at the Local Government offices and discovered that Munava never submitted any application at the offices.
As a result, Tembo lost US$75 000.