Man duped US$10.2k in land scam

Michael Mashiri

A man, who was arrested after playing a part in defrauding the complainant money meant to buy a stand, has appeared in court after it was realised that there was no stand.

Peter Victor Mukuchamano, 57, of Murombedzi in Zvimba, has appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi accused of fraud.

The complainant in this matter is Charles Nyatsvimbo.

The State, through prosecutor Zebediah Bofu, alleges that sometime in June 2023, Nyatsvimbo, met Mukuchamano at Huawei Service Centre at Corner Julius Nyerere and Nelson Mandela Street in Harare.

During their discussion Nyatsvimbo highlighted that he was looking for piece of land to buy.

Muchamano said he was in a position to help Nyatsvimbo through someone he knew as an official from Ministry of Lands.

Mukuchamano allegedly lied to Nyamatsvimbo that one John Chakawanda was employed at the Ministry of Lands and had the capacity to facilitate a piece of land with tittle deeds for him.

In the same month of July, 2023, Mukuchamano introduced Nyatsvimbo to John Chakawanda, who is still at large, and he confirmed that he was working at the Ministry of Lands.

Chakawanda told Nyatsvimbo that he could facilitate 262 hectares of land with title deeds in Zvimba District upon payment of USD$10 200.

Mukuchamano gave assurance to Nyatsvimbo that Chakawanda was a genuine person who works at the Ministry of Lands.

Nyatsvimbo believed Chakawanda and paid a deposit of USD$5 800 to him.

Mukuchamano allegedly advised Nyatsvimbo that they would immediately commence processing documents for his land.

In July 2023, the State highlighted, Mukuchamano went to Nyatsimbo’s house where he collected the remaining balance of US$4 400.

Mukuchamano promised Nyatsvimbo that documents for his land were being finalised.

Since then, Mukuchamano his accomplice became evasive.

Nyatsvimbo then visited Ministry of Lands and established that Chakawanda was not employed by the Ministry that was when he realised he had been duped and reported the matter to police.

Mukuchamano was ordered to deposit US$50 as bail. He will appear in court on October 11.