Three land barons arrested for fraudulently selling stands worth $320,000 in Harare

Persons that are arrested and detained have certain rights

Chiripayi Chipandire was charged with contravening the Mines and Mining Act when he appeared before a Harare magistrate

Prosper Dembedza

Herald Correspondent

Three suspected land barons appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo today facing charges of fraud involving US$320 000 after they allegedly sold stands without proper authorisation.

Tafadzwa Runesu, Siblinsiyo Mutiza and Ramos Masize were remanded in custody and advised to return to court on Tuesday for bail application.

The court heard that on an unknown date but between 2022 to 2025, the three accused persons duped unsuspecting home seekers in Lot 14 Spitzkop Zvimba, a private entity represented by Khumbulani Magama.

It is alleged that the land barons told the home seekers that they were the lawful owners of Lot 14 Spitzkop before they sold stands to them and issued the victims with receipts with the full knowledge that the land belonged to a private entity.

Due to the misrepresentation, the trio were paid US$320 000.