HARARE – An 80-year-old Greendale resident, Theresa Marume, has lost US$45,000 after falling victim to a fraudulent residential stand transaction in Harare, highlighting the persistent risks faced by property buyers in the city.
Marume was misled into believing she had purchased stand number 157 in Greendale after two men, identified as Evans Mukora of Kuwadzana and Prince Zwawanda, falsely claimed to be the rightful owners of the property. Convinced by the men’s assurances and provided with an agreement of sale, Marume proceeded to make the full payment, believing she was securing a legitimate investment.
After the transaction, Marume began preliminary construction on the stand, placing bricks and erecting a wooden cabin in anticipation of building her home. However, her plans quickly came to a halt when a man named Simbarashe Gonese confronted her, asserting that he was the lawful owner of the land.
The confrontation prompted Marume to seek legal advice, and Gonese subsequently took the matter to court. The court ruled in his favour, ordering Marume to remove all building materials from the disputed stand. It was at this point that she realised she had been defrauded and lodged a complaint with the police.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed that authorities are investigating the case. “Police are investigating a fraud case involving a Greendale residential stand in Harare,” he said. He added that officers are working to identify and apprehend the suspects responsible for the deception.
Inspector Chakanza also noted a separate fraud incident involving a Mt Pleasant woman, Natasha Mhindurwa, who was conned out of US$280 in a botched foreign currency exchange scheme. Mhindurwa had responded to a message in a WhatsApp group in which a fraudster posed as a legitimate currency trader. The scammer sent a fake mobile money notification indicating that ZIG10,730 had been transferred to her. Trusting the message, Mhindurwa transferred US$280 at the agreed rate, only to discover later that the transaction was fabricated.
Elderly Woman, Marume Loses US$45,000 in Fraudulent Greendale Stand Transaction
The case involving Marume has sent shockwaves through the community, drawing attention to the vulnerability of elderly and trusting individuals in property transactions. Marume, who had been looking forward to developing her new home, described the experience as devastating.
“I never imagined that such a thing could happen to me,” she said. “I trusted the people who came to me claiming they were the sellers. Now I have lost my savings and the plans I had for my home. It is heartbreaking.”
Experts say the Marume case highlights a recurring issue in Zimbabwe’s property market, where fraudulent land and stand sales continue to exploit buyers, particularly the elderly and those unfamiliar with legal processes.
Legal practitioners emphasize the importance of conducting thorough due diligence before making property purchases. This includes verifying land ownership through official channels, consulting municipal offices, and seeking legal counsel before signing any agreements or making payments.
“The Marume case underscores why it is critical to verify ownership documents and not rely solely on verbal assurances or unofficial paperwork,” said a property law expert. “Potential buyers should also be wary of rushed transactions and deals that seem too good to be true.”
Inspector Chakanza urged the public to exercise caution when engaging in property and financial transactions. He advised prospective buyers to confirm ownership through municipal records, use certified legal professionals, and avoid transacting with individuals whose credentials cannot be independently verified.
“These scams often prey on trust and urgency,” he said. “People must be vigilant and conduct proper verification before transferring funds, particularly for high-value transactions such as property purchases or foreign currency exchanges.”
Fraud in property and currency deals is not only financially damaging but also psychologically distressing, particularly for elderly victims who may have saved for years to invest in property or other ventures. Authorities have stressed the need for stronger public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of laws to deter scammers and protect vulnerable citizens.
Marume’s ordeal serves as a cautionary tale for others, illustrating the high stakes involved in real estate transactions and the importance of legal safeguards. Police continue to pursue leads in her case, with hopes of bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The incidents in Greendale and Mt Pleasant underline a broader trend in Zimbabwe, where both high-value property deals and online currency exchanges have become targets for unscrupulous individuals. Citizens are reminded to remain vigilant, seek legal guidance, and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.
Source- Bulawayo24
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