Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A LAND deal for a 3,5 hectare plot, complete with a four roomed house, kitchen, and toilet, has collapsed into a bitter feud after the buyer — who paid part of the purchase price — was left with neither the property nor a full refund.
The aggrieved elderly man, David Chitambo, told Chief Mutasa’s community court that what began as a straightforward agreement with Talent Mukuhwa had spiralled into a drawn out dispute riddled with delays, broken promises, and mounting frustration.
Chitambo said he paid a US$700 deposit in good faith, but when family problems prevented him from raising the remaining US$1 300 on time, he was barred from taking ownership of the property.
He recounted that he first learnt in March last year that Mukuhwa intended to sell the plot.
After viewing it with his family, they agreed it would make an ideal home — only for the deal to unravel in acrimony.
“I first met Talent Mukuhwa in March last year when I heard she was selling her land. I was interested and took my family to see it — and they liked the place too,” he said, adding that on April 6, 2025, he paid an initial deposit of US$700 in the presence of the village head and other witnesses.
The parties agreed that Chitambo would settle the balance later, but soon afterwards, his wife fell ill, forcing him to use the savings set aside for the land deal to settle her medical bills.
Chitambo said Mukuhwa later told him she would look for another buyer and then refund him US$600, an arrangement he accepted since the land still belonged to her.
After his wife recovered, Chitambo approached Mukuhwa to inquire about their previous deal and was told that no new buyer had been found.
“She said she had not found another buyer, and I could still come and pay the balance so that the land would become mine,” he said, adding that he then promised to pay the balance in September, but money problems continued.
By October he still had not paid the full amount, and asked if he could move onto the property while raising the remainder.
“I asked if I could move in and stay there while I looked for the remaining US$1 400 because I was struggling. She refused. I asked her to refund me so that I could look for a place elsewhere,” said Chitambo, adding that although Mukuhwa agreed, she failed to refund the full amount, and later reported the issue to the headwoman, accusing him of trying to force himself onto her property.
Chitambo said a proposal for him to collect US$100 each month was impractical.
“I was told she would give me US$100 every month for six months, but I need about US$20 for transport each time I go there. That will be difficult for me,” he said.
Mukuhwa confirmed the part-payment property deal with Chitambo.
“I was selling my stand, and a friend introduced Chitambo to me. He came with his wife. When he paid me, the village head and others were present,” she said, adding that the total price was US$2 000, inclusive of all the buildings.
“There is a four-roomed house, kitchen and toilet. I was selling everything for US$2 000. After he paid the first amount, we signed an agreement,” said Mukuhwa, adding that the deal collapsed because Chitambo could not pay on time, after which he wanted to move in before clearing the balance.
“In September, he had US$700. He later wanted to move in without paying the full amount. I could not agree to the arrangement,” she said, adding that she still wanted to refund him, but cannot do so in one lump sum.
“I want to give him back his money, but I only earn US$120 a month, and US$100 per month is what I can manage,” said Mukuhwa.
She said she no longer wants to sell the property, having decided to keep it for one of her children.
After hearing both sides, Chief Mutasa ruled that Chitambo should accept a repayment plan.
“By the end of May she must give you US$250. After that, she will pay you US$100 every month until the money is finished,” ruled Chief Mutasa, also urging his subjects to be careful when making land deals and to agree clearly on payment dates to avoid future disputes.
