Two in Court for Selling Occupied Residential Stan...

Two in Court for Selling Occupied Residential Stand

Munyaradzi Mashiri

Zim Now Court Correspondent

Tawanda Jambwa, 38, and Charity Masondo, 35, appeared before Harare magistrate Apollonia Marutya on charges of fraud, following allegations that they sold a residential stand that was already owned by someone else.

The accused were granted bail of US$100 each and are expected to return to court on January 7, 2025.

Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi told the court that in July, the complainant began searching for a residential stand and was referred to Jambwa by a friend. Jambwa introduced the complainant to Masondo, who claimed to own a stand in Masasa Park, Harare, identified as stand number 4747 of the remainder of stand 560 Chadcombe Township, measuring 501 square meters.

Masondo reportedly offered the stand for US$10 000, assuring the complainant it was free from disputes. After viewing the stand and being satisfied, the complainant agreed to pay an initial deposit of US$4 500 to secure it.

An agreement of sale was signed between the complainant and Masondo on July 19, with Jambwa acting as a witness. Masondo also acknowledged receipt of the deposit. On August 30, the complainant made an additional payment of US$700, which Masondo again acknowledged.

However, when the complainant attempted to occupy the stand, they discovered it already belonged to another individual. Efforts to engage the accused proved futile as they became unresponsive and evasive.

The complainant filed a police report on November 21, leading to the arrest of Jambwa and Masondo. The complainant suffered a financial prejudice of US$5 200.