HARARE, Zimbabwe — Three men have been arrested for allegedly defrauding home seekers of US$320,000 by illegally selling residential stands on privately owned land in Harare’s Spitzkop area.
Tafadzwa Runesu, Siblinsiyo Mutiza and Ramos Masize appeared in court on Monday, charged with fraud. Magistrate Ruth Moyo remanded them in custody until Tuesday for a bail hearing.
According to prosecutors, the suspects misled prospective buyers between 2022 and 2025 by claiming to own Lot 14 Spitzkop in Zvimba, land that is legally held by a private company represented by Khumbulani Magama.
The accused allegedly issued receipts and collected payments from multiple buyers, despite having no legal authority to sell the property.
Authorities say the trio pocketed a total of US$320,000 through the scheme.
The case comes amid increased government efforts to clamp down on illegal land sales and fraudulent development schemes in and around the capital.
