Story Parvel Makona
A 47-year-old Harare man has appeared in court on fraud charges after allegedly duping an Australia-based Zimbabwean of US$12 600 in a bogus land deal.
Gilbert Bgwende appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court accused of defrauding Faith Manhika through the purported sale of a commercial stand in Highfield.
The State alleges that in April 2023, Bgwende and his alleged accomplice, Abisai Manyonga, who is already on remand, conspired to defraud the complainant.
Prosecutors told the court that Bgwende allegedly took advantage of Manyonga’s relationship with Manhika to convince her to purchase Stand Number 10 753, measuring 1 500 square metres, for US$12 000.
Believing the transaction to be genuine, Manhika allegedly paid the purchase price in four instalments of US$3 000 through Remitly. She is also alleged to have paid an additional US$600 in surveying fees on two separate occasions at the accused persons’ request, with the money being sent to Manyonga.
The alleged fraud was uncovered after the complainant asked her sister, Mary Mukomberanwa, to verify the property’s ownership with the City of Harare. Investigations allegedly revealed that the stand already belonged to another person.
A report was subsequently made to the police, leading to Bgwende’s arrest.
The State alleges that Manhika suffered prejudice amounting to US$12 600, none of which has been recovered.
Bgwende was granted US$100 bail, and the matter is set to proceed through the courts.
