A suspected land baron has been dragged to court for allegedly swindling a company director out of nearly US$100,000 in a fraudulent residential stands sale in Harare’s Donnybrook suburb.
Peter Mubare, 58, appeared before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai on Thursday charged with fraud. He was remanded in custody pending a bail ruling on Friday.
The complainant is Muneni Logistics (Private) Limited, represented by its director, Obey Bvute. According to the State, in November 2020, Mubare and his accomplice Arthur Chidenhe—who remains at large—misrepresented to Bvute that they had 35 residential stands under East Winds Trust for sale in Donnybrook, Mabvuku, at US$5.50 per square metre.
The court heard that Bvute met the pair at Musengi and Sigauke Associates law firm in Eastlea, Harare, where they purported to represent East Winds Trust. After expressing interest in all 35 stands, Bvute was quoted a total of US$97,289.50.
It is alleged that he paid a US$13,500 cash deposit and received an agreement of sale. On the same day, he paid the remaining balance of US$83,789.50 in cash and was issued an acknowledgement of receipt.
However, in 2023, Bvute visited the site and discovered it was being developed by third parties who claimed ownership of the entire property. The duo then allegedly showed him an alternative piece of land and collected a further US$1,800, purportedly for surveyor fees.
When Bvute realised he had been duped, he tried to engage Mubare and Chidenhe, but they became evasive. He reported the matter to police, leading to Mubare’s arrest.
This case highlights the ongoing scourge of land scams in Harare, where unsuspecting buyers are often lured by seemingly legitimate documents and professional-looking arrangements. Authorities continue to warn residents to verify property ownership with the City of Harare and the Deeds Office before making any payments.