Tenant hauled to court over $1 500 property damage

A 40-year-old Harare woman has appeared in court facing allegations of damaging property worth US$1 500 before allegedly vacating a rented house without informing her landlord.

Michelle Davina Freemantle appeared before Harare magistrate Lynne Chinzou charged with negligence and causing serious property damage.

She was remanded in custody pending a bail application scheduled for today.

The complainant in the matter is Admire Mupanduki, who was Freemantle's landlord.

Prosecutor Kanchelskis Ropi told the court that between January 1 and May 2, 2026, Freemantle occupied the property under a lease agreement.

The State alleges that during the tenancy period, extensive damage was caused to the house before the accused allegedly vacated the premises without notifying the landlord.

According to court proceedings, Mupanduki was alerted by neighbours that Freemantle had moved out of the property.

Upon visiting the house, he allegedly discovered that the tenant had left the premises.

A subsequent inspection reportedly revealed damage to several sections of the property, including windows, doors, glass panes, locks and electrical fittings.

The total value of the alleged damage has been estimated at US$1 500.

The matter was reported to the police, leading to Freemantle's arrest.