Man in court over US$40k property fraud

A 27-year-old man has appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court facing fraud charges after allegedly duping a prospective homeowner out of US$40 000 through a fraudulent property transaction.

Liberty Kamango was arraigned on charges of fraud as defined in the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Prosecutors allege that Kamango misrepresented his authority to sell a residential property and received payment from the complainant despite the property having already been sold to another buyer.

The alleged scheme resulted in the complainant losing US$40 000.

Kamango was granted bail of US$100 and remanded to July 6 for further proceedings.

The matter is part of a growing number of property-related fraud cases appearing before Zimbabwean courts, highlighting persistent concerns over fraudulent land and housing transactions.

Legal experts have repeatedly urged prospective property buyers to conduct thorough due diligence, including verifying ownership documents and confirming the status of properties with relevant authorities before making payments.

The court is expected to hear further evidence when the matter returns for continuation next month.