Two Men in Court for US$7kFake Stand Scam

Munyaradzi Mashiri 

Court Correspondent 

Two men have appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court for allegedly selling a fake residential stand using fraudulent documents.

Eriakem Pawapingwa, 33, and Samuel Wasarakunze, 42, were charged with fraud and remanded in custody.

According to the State, in September 2024, the accused devised a plan to defraud Knowledge Muzira, the complainant.

As chairman of the First Budiriro Number 2 Cooperative, Pawapingwa allocated Stand Number 27555, Budiriro 5B, Harare, to Muzira on September 5, 2024. However, he allegedly conspired with Wasarakunze, who falsely posed as the owner of the stand to facilitate the fraudulent sale.

Wasarakunze then sold the stand to Muzira for US$8,000 through two other accomplices who are still at large.

Muzira paid US$7 650, which the accused allegedly shared among themselves.

The fraud was uncovered when Muzira visited the Budiriro District Administrator's Office, where he was informed that the documents he had received were fake. He then reported the matter to the police.

The accused were arrested after being lured to collect the outstanding balance, leading to their detention.

As a result of their misrepresentation, Muzira lost US$7 650.

Court proceedings are ongoing.