Harare, Zimbabwe | Socialite Witness Tumelo Zamanga, popularly known as “Boss Tumelo,” and his company, Hayes Construction (Pvt) Ltd, have been implicated in a high-stakes fraud case in which a client lost US$40,000 over a disputed residential stand.
Boss Tumelo, a member of the flashy “Power Circle” on social media, appeared in court before Harare magistrate Isheanesu Matova and was remanded out of custody pending his next hearing.
The allegations paint a picture of deliberate misrepresentation and deceit in a botched land deal that has left the complainant without either their money or the promised property.
The origins of the dispute date back to 2018, when the High Court of Zimbabwe authorized RM Africa Property Consultants, trading as Rawson Properties, and Hayes Construction to develop residential stands in Tynwald Township under a joint agreement.
Both developers were allocated 228 stands by the Sheriff of the High Court and were required to jointly approve the disposal of any property through signed agreements.
One such stand, number 17940, was sold in June 2020 to Elvis Jieman under a properly signed Memorandum of Agreement of Sale for US$29,340. Both RM Africa Property Consultants and Hayes Construction confirmed the transaction, marking it as finalized.
However, in June 2022, Boss Tumelo, allegedly fully aware that the stand had already been sold to Jieman, engaged in fraudulent activity. The State alleges that Tumelo misrepresented facts to a prospective buyer, claiming the stand was still available for purchase.
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The complainant, who was searching for a residential property in Ashdown Park, was referred to Hayes Construction and eventually to Tumelo himself. Trusting the businessman, the buyer agreed to purchase the stand for US$39,800, paying the entire amount in cash on June 17, 2022. Hayes Construction issued a receipt for the payment, solidifying the fraudulent transaction.
Despite paying the full amount, the buyer was left in limbo. Tumelo failed to provide a legitimate Agreement of Sale, instead issuing a backdated and invalid document. The complainant became suspicious and, after further investigation, discovered that Jieman was the rightful owner of the property.
Efforts to resolve the matter directly with Tumelo proved futile, forcing the complainant to escalate the issue to the police. The State claims Tumelo deliberately exploited the buyer’s trust, pocketing the funds while knowing the stand was already sold.
Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi outlined the details of the case, emphasizing the blatant disregard for legal processes and property rights. The complainant has not recovered the US$40,000, nor have they received a valid property title.
This case raises serious concerns about accountability within Zimbabwe’s real estate sector, particularly regarding high-profile individuals like Tumelo, who use their influence to orchestrate questionable deals.
The State argues that Tumelo’s actions were not accidental but a calculated scheme to defraud the buyer. The issuing of a backdated document and refusal to resolve the dispute underscore his intent to deceive.
If convicted, Tumelo could face significant legal consequences, adding to the mounting scrutiny of his business dealings.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in real estate transactions and the importance of due diligence when dealing with property developers. The court is set to hear further arguments next month.
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