Top Harare lawyer in US$34k trust funds scandal

Prominent Harare lawyer Jacqueline Sande and Sande Legal Practice have appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court facing allegations of misappropriating nearly US$34,000 in trust funds belonging to a Karoi farmer.

Sande and her law firm appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Ruth Moyo facing charges of theft of trust property. Sande was granted US$150 bail.

According to the State, the complainant approached Sande and her firm in January 2023 to provide legal services relating to the sale of his residential property, House Number 16 Pershore Rise, Northwood, Mount Pleasant, which was valued at US$350,000.

The property was allegedly sold to Timothy Maregere, with the purchase funds deposited into the law firm's trust account.

The prosecution alleges that on May 4, 2023, the complainant deposited a further US$33,979.50 into the same trust account. The money was intended to cover conveyancing fees, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) clearance and stamp duty.

However, the State alleges that Sande and her firm failed to complete the conveyancing process or make the required payments to ZIMRA and the relevant authorities.

The complainant reportedly became concerned after discovering that the agreed work had not been carried out and confronted Sande, demanding the return of his money.

According to the State, the accused allegedly failed to account for the funds.

The matter was subsequently reported at Borrowdale Police Station before being referred to the CID Commercial Crimes Division for further investigation.

The State alleges that the total amount involved was US$33,979, with none of the money having been recovered.

The allegations against Sande and Sande Legal Practice have not been tested in court, and the accused remain innocent until proven guilty.