A 67-year-old real estate agent, Peter Rupiya, who had been on the run since late 2024, has resurfaced and is now facing fresh fraud charges, the Harare Magistrates’ Court heard.
Rupiya appeared before Magistrate Artwell Sanyatwe for a default inquiry after a warrant of arrest had been issued against him for absconding.
The proceedings were also meant to allow him to apply for bail.
However, he later withdrew his bail application and was remanded in custody until November 12, 2025.
The court heard that Rupiya had previously been released on bail under case number CRB 5249/24, relating to earlier fraud allegations. He failed to return to court on November 4, 2024, leading to the issuance of the warrant and his subsequent disappearance.
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In the current case, Rupiya is accused of defrauding complainant Brian Chisvo of US$14 400 in a purported land sale.
Prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe told the court that in July 2024, Chisvo, who was searching for farmland, was referred to Rupiya.
The accused allegedly claimed to co-own a 10-hectare plot at Lingdale Farm in Bromley, Goromonzi, with a man identified as Ramson Marufu.
After meeting in central Harare, Rupiya reportedly took Chisvo to view the land. Believing the transaction to be legitimate, Chisvo paid US$14 400 in cash.
However, when he attempted to take possession of the property in August 2024, Chisvo discovered that the land did not belong to Rupiya or his alleged associate. Attempts to contact Rupiya were unsuccessful, leading Chisvo to report the matter to police.
The complainant lost the entire amount, and no funds have been recovered.
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