Trio Accused of Fraud in Game Park Sale

Munyaradzi Mashiri- Court Correspondent

A 30-year-old Chinhoyi man has appeared in court for allegedly attempting to fraudulently sell a Masvingo game park without the knowledge or consent of its rightful owner.

Samuel Mvurume appeared before magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa at the Harare Magistrates' Courts facing charges of fraud. He is expected back in court on June 13, 2025.

The complainant in the case is Gelswa Private Limited, owned by Emmanuel Gumbo. Two other accused persons, Keegan Diamond and Tawona Mutepfa of Sky Ryan Properties, were arrested on June 6 and are out on bail pending trial.

According to prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti, the accused trio allegedly devised a plan to defraud Gelswa of its game park. On May 13, they reportedly acquired fraudulent documents, including a copy of the deed of transfer and a share certificate in Gumbo’s name.

The accused allegedly misrepresented that the property was being sold by Gelswa and instructed an assistant, Charity Chakombeka, to handle logistics for the sale. Diamond then advertised the property on social media, claiming it was being sold through Sky Ryan Properties on behalf of the complainant.

On June 4, Gumbo came across the advert and was shocked, as the property was not for sale. He also expressed surprise over how the suspects accessed the company’s sensitive documents.

The attempted fraudulent sale could have prejudiced Gelswa Private Limited of US$2.5 million.