Bogus estate agent sentenced to community service

 

 

Zim Now Writer

A Bulawayo man was arraigned before the courts for illegally practicing as an estate agent.

Benjamin Chinjekure was found guilty and fined ZWL$30 000 or three months in prison, wholly suspended for 3 years on condition of good behaviour.

He was caught after he attempted to sell a farm owned by a famous church in Bulawayo City via WhatsApp.

The victim responded to the advertisement and was taken to Nyamandlovu for viewing.

After the viewing, the victim paid US$800 as a commitment fee.

However, the sellers changed their mind when the owners of the farm discovered that Chinjekure was not registered with the Estate Agents Council of Zimbabwe (EACZ).

The victim then requested a refund, but Chinjekure refused with it until the victim had to report the matter to EACZ, who took the accused to the police.

Chinjekure was then brought to court for trial.

The victim has since recovered a total of US$500. Meanwhile, EACZ urges the public to deal with registered estate agents only