Man in Court Over US$80k Land Scam

Munyaradzi Mashiri- Court Correspondent

A Harare man has appeared in court facing charges of fraud after allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated land scam that defrauded a family trust of more than US$20 000 in installment payments.

Michael Kawanzaruwa ,39, of Kuwadzana, is accused of conniving with Doreen Mangoma—already on remand—to misrepresent ownership of a commercial stand in Lochinvar, Harare.

The complainant in the case is the John Munjere Family Trust, represented by John Munjere, who also serves as director of Simcorc Cleaning Services.

According to prosecutors, the scam began in August 2023 when Kawanzaruwa and Mangoma allegedly forged a site plan for stand number 725, measuring 6,400 square metres. The duo allegedly claimed they had been mandated by the City of Harare to sell the land.

The trust’s business manager, Getrude Matika, was approached with the offer and subsequently informed Munjere, who began engaging with the suspects.

In September 2023, Munjere and Matika met Mangoma at her office on Selous Avenue. She showed them photocopied site plans and a list of available stands, later taking them to view an open area near Steel Mate Company, adjacent to Eaglesvale School in Lochinvar.

Although no pegs or official markings were visible, Munjere expressed interest and selected stand number 725. A purchase agreement was made, with the total price set at US$80,875. The complainant opted to pay in US$5,000 monthly installments.

On September 29, 2023, Munjere made the first payment but was not issued a receipt. A receipt was later collected in the name of “Golden Matambo,” a name inconsistent with the transaction.

Subsequent payments were made in October, November, February, and May—totaling several thousands of dollars—with receipts issued under various names, including Property Channel Real Estate and Golden Matambo.

In March 2024, the complainant was presented with and signed a memorandum of lease agreement.

The matter only came to light after inconsistencies in documentation and ownership began raising suspicion.

Kawanzaruwa was remanded in custody, and investigations are ongoing. The case continues.