Beitbridge residents rescue conned neighbour

Beitbridge residents are coming together through crowdfunding efforts to raise $4,000 to assist Taurai Amani and his family, who were deceived and lost a house they had lived in for 43 years.

Led by Boyd Maphosa, this initiative has already gathered $2,500 from people in the border town, transcending political divides to support the family that has been homeless for a week after being evicted.

Maphosa expressed his gratitude for the positive response from ordinary people, noting that political figures have been less responsive.

Amani's family was ejected from their home after failing to repay a $4,000 loan obtained nearly five years ago when Amani's son fell victim to online scammers who convinced them they had won a lottery. Amani unknowingly signed an agreement to sell their $25,000 Dulivhadzimu house to Collen Goden, who had lent them the money.

Amani admitted that he didn't comprehend the documents he signed and believed he was just buying more time to repay the loan.

Muchihwande Sithole, Goden's lawyer, mentioned that Amani had frequently altered his stance until the house's ownership change was finalized. However, they are open to negotiation and are willing to reconsider if the crowdfunding initiative provides the funds.

Beitbridge town clerk Loud Ramakgapola explained that the change of ownership was executed based on a court order after an "agreement of sale" was presented in the High Court in Harare. He recommended consulting the municipality when conducting such transactions in their jurisdiction for guidance, although they cannot influence the outcomes.