Moffat Mungazi
Tinofara Chiwanza
Post Reporter
A ZIMUNYA villager, Matthew Zvinavashe, was allegedly defrauded of US$800 by Anesu Mutedzi after he was sold a non-existent residential stand.
In February 2023, Zvinavashe allegedly paid US$800 to Mutedzi for a residential stand in the village.
Mutedzi provided an affidavit, commissioned by Kingstone Pukutayi Munjari, claiming ownership of the stand.
However, when Zvinavashe visited the stand in September 2023, he was informed that it did not belong to Mutedzi.
Mutedzi admitted to the deception and promised to refund the money, but failed to do so.
Mutedzi appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate, Ms Annie Ndiraya this week, charged with misrepresentation, as defined under Section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which makes false representation with the intention of deceiving another person a criminal offence.
Prior to the trial, Zvinavashe, had recovered US$650, but the accused failed to pay the remaining balance, prompting him to seek legal action.
Ms Ndiraya ordered Mutedzi to pay the remaining US$150 within two months, failure of which will result in a five-month prison sentence.
Ms Sharon Chibvongodze represented the State.
Online Reporter