Man loses US$10k in stands scam

Michael Mashiri

A Glen Lorne man was taken to court for defrauding US$10 000 after promising his victim a non-existent stand.

Blessing Boka, 40, of Glen Lorne, appeared before magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts accused of fraud.

The complainant in this matter is Phillip Mahito, of Damofalls, Ruwa.

The State, through prosecutor Cecilia Mashingaidze, alleges that sometime in September 2019, Mahito came across Boka who was selling home industrial stands in Damofalls, Ruwa for US$10 000 each and he became interested in the deal.

On September 16, 2019, an agreement of sale in respect of home industry stand number 21771 Damofalls, Ruwa was drafted and signed by Boka and Mahito.

Mahito was made to pay an initial deposit of US$2 000 to Boka and the balance of US$8 000 was to be cleared in monthly instalments of US$400 until the amount was paid up.

The State alleges that from October 2019 to January 2022, Mahito paid the outstanding balance of US$8 000 in instalments and was issued with receipts as proof of payment.

On June 19, 2023, Mahito went to Damofalls Investments (Private) Limited Land Developers offices where he wanted to obtain the site plan in order to start developing the stand.

To his surprise, he was told that the home industry stand was registered in the name of The Trustees of Tavon Family Trust, which is not owned by Boka.

On June 22, 2023, Mahito made a report to the police, leading to Boka's arrest.

As a result, Mahito suffered an actual prejudice of US$10 000 and nothing was recovered.

Boka was ordered to pay ZWL$200 000 bail.

Gofa also instructed him to continue residing at the address he gave to the court until the case is finalised.

He will appear in court on August 29 for routine remand.