Alleged land baron up for fraud

Zim Now Writer

Former Kambuzuma Member of Parliament Tinashe Maduza of Zanu-PF and an accomplice have appeared in court facing fraud charges arising from the sale of council land.

The State alleges that in 2014, Maduza, 35, and Rsata Phiri, 48, invaded some open space in Warren Park and started illegally selling stands for residential purposes as a private entity called Gracelands Housing Co-operative.

The entity had more than 300 beneficiaries.

In October 2019, the duo allegedly sold a piece of un-serviced land to the complainant for US$6 000 who later discovered that they did not own the land and made a police report.

The two accused persons were remanded in custody for bail hearing on December 12.