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Bishop in court over US$80k stand fraud
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Bishop Emmanuel Muzondi, the founder of Emmanuel Global Church International Ministries, appeared before a Harare magistrate yesterday on allegations of defrauding Lovemore Paipamire, the director of Pasmic Procurements Private Limited, in a US$80,000 residential stand transaction.
The 49-year-old cleric, facing charges of fraud, was brought before Magistrate Ms. Rufaro Panavanhu, who granted him bail set at US$200. Muzondi is expected to return to court on February 24 to face trial.
Represented by Ms. Dzidzai Josiah, the State outlined how Muzondi allegedly duped Paipamire in a deal involving a 3,073-square-meter residential stand in Mandara Township, Harare.
The case dates back to July 2023, when Paipamire was approached by two estate agents, Milton Tirivanhu Vambe and Samuel Pardon Dandira. The agents informed him that Muzondi was selling a residential stand. Interested in the offer, Paipamire was introduced to Muzondi, who reportedly assured him that he was the rightful owner of stand number 1154 in Mandara.
To support his claims, Muzondi allegedly presented a fraudulent agreement of sale and an allocation letter, both purportedly signed by the then-Acting Director of Housing and Community Services, Mathew Marara, and dated November 16, 2016. However, investigations later revealed inconsistencies in the documents.
According to the prosecution, the company cited in the sale, Pragmer Investments Private Limited, was not registered at the time, and the agreement of sale bore a suspicious date of April 23, 2018—raising further doubts about the transaction's legitimacy.
On July 31, 2023, Muzondi allegedly arranged for the payment to take place at the office of his associate, Kuziva Zimunya, located at 83 Central Avenue, Harare.
Paipamire reportedly paid US$75,000 in cash during the meeting and received a receipt issued in Muzondi's name. The remaining balance was later paid, though no receipt was provided for the final installment.
The situation turned sour when Paipamire attempted to take possession of the stand. Muzondi allegedly became evasive and avoided all communication, prompting Paipamire to seek legal recourse.
After months of failed attempts to contact Muzondi, Paipamire reported the matter to the police on December 11, leading to the cleric's arrest.
The case highlights concerns about fraudulent property deals in Zimbabwe, where unscrupulous individuals exploit buyers through fake documents and false claims of ownership.
The court will reconvene on February 24 to hear Muzondi's defense.
The 49-year-old cleric, facing charges of fraud, was brought before Magistrate Ms. Rufaro Panavanhu, who granted him bail set at US$200. Muzondi is expected to return to court on February 24 to face trial.
Represented by Ms. Dzidzai Josiah, the State outlined how Muzondi allegedly duped Paipamire in a deal involving a 3,073-square-meter residential stand in Mandara Township, Harare.
The case dates back to July 2023, when Paipamire was approached by two estate agents, Milton Tirivanhu Vambe and Samuel Pardon Dandira. The agents informed him that Muzondi was selling a residential stand. Interested in the offer, Paipamire was introduced to Muzondi, who reportedly assured him that he was the rightful owner of stand number 1154 in Mandara.
To support his claims, Muzondi allegedly presented a fraudulent agreement of sale and an allocation letter, both purportedly signed by the then-Acting Director of Housing and Community Services, Mathew Marara, and dated November 16, 2016. However, investigations later revealed inconsistencies in the documents.
According to the prosecution, the company cited in the sale, Pragmer Investments Private Limited, was not registered at the time, and the agreement of sale bore a suspicious date of April 23, 2018—raising further doubts about the transaction's legitimacy.
On July 31, 2023, Muzondi allegedly arranged for the payment to take place at the office of his associate, Kuziva Zimunya, located at 83 Central Avenue, Harare.
Paipamire reportedly paid US$75,000 in cash during the meeting and received a receipt issued in Muzondi's name. The remaining balance was later paid, though no receipt was provided for the final installment.
The situation turned sour when Paipamire attempted to take possession of the stand. Muzondi allegedly became evasive and avoided all communication, prompting Paipamire to seek legal recourse.
After months of failed attempts to contact Muzondi, Paipamire reported the matter to the police on December 11, leading to the cleric's arrest.
The case highlights concerns about fraudulent property deals in Zimbabwe, where unscrupulous individuals exploit buyers through fake documents and false claims of ownership.
The court will reconvene on February 24 to hear Muzondi's defense.
Source - the herald
