Village Head Arraigned Over Land Fraud Allegation...

Village Head Arraigned Over Land Fraud Allegations in Kadoma

Rutendo Mazhindu

ZimNow Reporter

Ignatius Tazvivinga, a 65-year-old village head under Chief Mupamombe, appeared before the Kadoma Magistrate’s Court on October 1, 2024, facing charges of fraud related to illegal land sales.

Tazvivinga is accused of selling land belonging to the Kadoma City Council, falsely claiming it was under the ownership of the Mupamombe clan. According to court reports, the accused lured desperate land seekers by offering them parcels of land on Lot Railways 7, misrepresenting the property as part of the Mupamombe estate.

Buyers reportedly paid a minimum of USD 250 as a token of appreciation to the village head, who in turn issued affidavits as proof of purchase. Believing the transactions were legitimate, the victims built houses on the land.

The fraudulent activity came to light on February 1, 2024, when Kadoma City Council alerted authorities to the presence of illegal settlers on the property. An investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department led to Tazvivinga's arrest. During initial questioning, he was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for his actions.

The case has been remanded to October 8, 2024, as investigations continue into the full extent of the fraud and Tazvivinga’s involvement in the illegal land transactions.