A suspected land baron has appeared before a Harare magistrate accused of defrauding a company director of US$97,289.50 through a fake residential stands sale in Donnybrook, Mabvuku.
Peter Mubare (58) was remanded in custody pending a bail ruling on Friday when he appeared before magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai charged with fraud. His alleged accomplice, Arthur Chidenhe, is still at large.
The court heard that in November 2020, Mubare and Chidenhe allegedly told the complainant, Obey Bvute, a director of Muneni Logistics, that they controlled 35 residential stands under East Winds Trust in Donnybrook, priced at US$5.50 per square metre.
The two men reportedly met Bvute at Musengi and Sigauke Associates in Eastlea, claiming to represent the trust. Interested in purchasing all 35 stands, Bvute paid a US$13,500 cash deposit and received an agreement of sale. Later the same day, he allegedly handed over the remaining US$83,789.50 in cash and was issued a receipt.
It was only in 2023, when the complainant visited the site, that he discovered the property was being developed by third parties who said they owned the land. Mubare and Chidenhe then allegedly showed him an alternative piece of land and collected another US$1,800 purportedly for surveyor fees.
After realizing he had been duped, Bvute tried to engage the pair but they became evasive, prompting him to report the matter to police. Mubare was arrested and the State, represented by Takudzwa Jambawu, is prosecuting.
