Vusumuzi Dube
Robin Muchetu
Senior Reporter
A WOMAN from Paddonhurst Suburb in Bulawayo lost over US$6000 to a fraudulent estate agent after the con artist sold her a residential stand in Upper Rangemore that belonged to someone in South Africa.
According to Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, an investigation into the case of fraud is currently underway.
“On 21 June 2024, around 2 pm, the complainant met with the accused, Jacob Ratabwa, a housing agent, who took her to Upper Rangemore to show her available stands for sale. The complainant selected a 250-square-metre stand priced at US$6250. The following day, she paid Ratabwa a cash deposit of US$1400. Subsequently, she made additional payments totaling US$4950 at which point an agreement of sale was signed between her and the accused,” she said.
On 25 January 2025, the victim visited the site of her purchased stand and she discovered that a foundation had been dug on the same piece of land.
“On inquiry, a neighbour informed her that the stand belonged to someone else residing in South Africa. The complainant contacted the legitimate owner, who confirmed ownership of the property. When she confronted Ratabwa for an explanation, he was unable to provide a satisfactory response. Subsequently, she filed a police report but the accused remains at large. The total loss incurred amounts to US$6350 and nothing was recovered,” Asst Insp Msebele added.
The police urged the public to exercise caution when engaging with real estate agents saying it was crucial to verify the legitimacy of anyone before entering into any financial transactions to prevent significant financial losses.
They also appealed to anyone with information that might assist in the arrest of the suspect to come forward.
Bongani Ndlovu