Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
A BRADFIELD man found himself in the dock after allegedly pulling off a housing hustle that left a home seeker R160 000 poorer and still homeless.
Labour Sibanda (54) appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Archie Wochiwunga facing a charge of fraud. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody to 8 August for trial.
Prosecutor Audrey Kufandikanwe told the court that between December 2021 and November 2023, Sibanda convinced Tatenda Ruwaza to fork out R100 000 for a residential stand in Cowdray Park.
To sweeten the scam, Sibanda allegedly threw in a building deal — promising to erect a four-roomed house if Ruwaza paid an extra R60 000.
But after pocketing the cash, Sibanda reportedly vanished into thin air, leaving Ruwaza with nothing but empty promises and an invisible dream house.
The fed-up victim finally reported the matter to police, leading to Sibanda’s arrest.
derick.khumalo