Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
A REAL estate agent has appeared in court for allegedly defrauding a prospective liquor shop tenant of US$23 500 after masquerading as an authorised representative of a property company.
Tamari Kazamula (39) appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Tapiwa Kuhudzai, facing a charge of fraud and was released on US$50 bail.
She was remanded to October 8 pending finalisation of investigations. The State alleges that in June this year, the complainant, Hakiza Jean Claude, was looking for a liquor shop to rent in Harare’s Central Business District when he was referred to Kazamula by a commissioner of oaths who allegedly told him she was the manager of Bendrose Investments.
According to the State papers, Kazamula allegedly claimed that shop number 92 along Cameron Street belonged to her accomplice, Fungai Learnmore Hwariawa, and was available for rental.
The complainant allegedly met Kazamula and Hwariawa, where they agreed that he would pay US$2 700 per month, with four months’ rent amounting to US$10 800 payable in advance and US$10 000 as a security deposit.
On June 25, the complainant allegedly paid Kazamula the US$10 000 security deposit in the presence of the commissioner of oaths.
A memorandum of agreement of lease was subsequently signed between the complainant and Hwariawa.
The State further alleges that on July 17, the complainant paid another US$10 800 for four months’ rent in advance together with a US$2 700 deposit.
On August 1, Kazamula allegedly handed the complainant the shop keys, after which he began fitting shelves and refrigerators in preparation for opening his business.
However, the complainant allegedly later discovered that the shop had already been paid for by another person.
He was subsequently approached by the property’s owner, Mr Maxwell Chisvo, who allegedly told him that he was occupying the premises without the owner’s knowledge.
The complainant then allegedly realised that he had been duped and made a police report.
The State alleges that US$23 500 was lost and that nothing had been recovered.
