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Tsenulo Moyo
A man from Bulawayo who is based in South Africa, was left counting his losses after losing US$15 000 to a woman who sold him a house that she had already sold to someone else.
This came to light when Sithini Moyo (46) appeared before Bulawayo magistrate, Evia Matura facing fraud charges. Moyo pleaded guilty to the offence.
She was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment, of which six months were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.
An additional 12 months were suspended on condition that the accused compensates the complainant in the sum of US$15 000 on or before December 31, 2024.
The remaining 18 months were suspended on condition that the accused completes 630 hours of community service at the Tredgold Building, which houses the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Courts.
The court heard that sometime in April 2023, Albert Masango (47) saw an advertisement in a WhatsApp group about a house in Pelandaba West, Bulawayo that was for sale. The advertisement was posted by someone named Mlotshwa.
Masango asked his cousin, Jameson Moyo, to follow up on the advertisement since he was in South Africa. Jameson contacted Mlotshwa, who took him to Sithini. Sithini confirmed that she was the registered owner of the house and that it was for sale.
Sithini further said the house was still under construction and was priced at US$17 000. Jameson then paid US$12 640, which he had received from Masango, towards the purchase of the house. He was issued a receipt on April 21, 2023.
Masango continued paying in instalments, totalling US$15 000, towards the purchase of the house. After paying the full amount, Masango wanted to immediately occupy the house, but the accused failed to facilitate this.
The matter was reported to the police, leading to the accused’s arrest. Investigations conducted by the police revealed that the accused had sold the same house to another person in March 2023.
derick.khumalo