Caleb Chihlangu, a 36-year-old resident of Gunhill in Borrowdale, Harare, found himself in front of Magistrate Apolonia Marutya this week, confronting charges of fraud. He stands accused of defrauding a client of US$15,000 in a residential stand transaction in Warren Park D.
According to the prosecution, Chihlangu contacted Tafadzwa Kambunja, the director of Martin Sandy Resources, in response to an advertisement for residential stands in a local newspaper.
Allegedly, Kambunja informed Chihlangu that he possessed two stands in Warren Park D, from which Chihlangu selected one measuring 350 square meters, priced at US$7,800.
Chihlangu purportedly made an initial payment of US$2,500 and signed a sale agreement provided by an individual named Michael Kawanzarwa, who remains at large. Subsequently, he received an offer letter dated March 2020.
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The prosecution further claims that Chihlangu made additional payments totaling US$8,000 before commencing construction on the property.
However, his plans were disrupted when Veronica Chituwo asserted ownership of the stand, alleging acquisition through the Warren Park D Collective Housing Co-operative. Chihlangu sought Kambunja’s assistance, but purportedly received empty assurances.
In total, Chihlangu was allegedly defrauded of US$15,000. Kambunja was granted bail, and the case is scheduled to reconvene on April 29 of this year.