Takunda Cooperative Execs in US$130k Fake Land Sca...

Takunda Cooperative Execs in US$130k Fake Land Scam

Munyaradzi Mashiri- Court Correspondent

A land scam worth over US$130 000 was uncovered after buyers discovered they had been tricked into purchasing private property from individuals who did not own the land.

Tecla Chigwambare ,63, Rangarirai Muzvanya ,67, Rebecca Marovho ,49, Edmond Nyamukapa ,70, and Jacob Zvomoya appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts facing fraud charges.

The accused are said to be executive members of the Takunda Freedom Fighters Housing Cooperative Society.

The court heard that between March 2019 and June 2025, the accused unlawfully occupied a piece of land — Subdivision A of Subdivision A of Nyarungu of Subdivision A of Stoneridge, measuring 20.232 hectares — held under deed of transfer number 0003054/2012 and belonging to one Xinfeng Li.

They allegedly subdivided the land into 300-square-metre residential stands, which they sold to the complainants for various amounts. Buyers were issued receipts as proof of purchase.

The accused also allegedly charged the complainants additional fees for administration, surveying, permits, lawyers’ subscriptions, road markings, and Zesa installations. Receipts were also issued for these payments.

The fraud was discovered when the complainants were served with an eviction order under High Court case number HC2637/20, informing them that they were unlawfully occupying private land owned by Li.

The total value of the fraud is US$130,965, and nothing has been recovered.

The accused are expected back in court on September 23, 2025.