Harare US$3k extortion case: Man pressured propert...

Harare US$3k extortion case: Man pressured property owner with demolition threats

Michael Mashiri
A man, who extorted US$3 000 from complainant as inducement so that he would not demolish his Mabelreign property, has appeared in court.

James Mazvimba, 55, who is based at Cleveland House, Harare, appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts accused of criminal abuse office.

The complainant in this matter is Tariro Mupawaenda, 38.

The State, through prosecutor Zebediah Bofu, alleges that in August 2020, Mazvimba, allegedly went to Mabelreign at number 3727 at Mupawaenda’s stand wanting to demolish the property without a court order

Mupawaenda had been allocated the stand which measured 810 square metres by the City of Harare and was given an offer letter together with nine other beneficiaries in July 2020.

In August 2020, Mupawaenda received a letter from Mazvimba, which he claimed was a notice to demolish Mupawaenda’s property.

The court was also informed that Mazvimba went on to extort US$3 000 from Mupawaenda for him to stop the demolition.

Mazvimba was ordered to appear in court on November 2.