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.
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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.
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.