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By Dickson "Dex" Chitake
KADOMA – A 34-year-old woman from Chakari, Nelia Banda, has been convicted of fraud after selling a commercial stand she did not own, defrauding a buyer of US$4,000 in a bogus land transaction.
The Kadoma Magistrates' Court found Banda guilty after she falsely claimed ownership of Commercial Stand No. 13, Lufaroi, at Village B Complex Shops in Chakari and sold it to Joseph Musirinyango on January 17, 2024.
The court heard that after paying the US$4,000, the complainant later attempted to commence development on the stand, only to be stopped by officials from RioZim, who informed him that the land did not belong to Banda.
Investigations by ZRP Chakari later confirmed through RioZim that Banda had no legal authority to sell the property, leaving the complainant prejudiced of US$4,000. No restitution had been made at the time of the investigation.
Banda was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment, wholly suspended on condition that she restitutes the full US$4,000 to the victim.
The case is a reminder to members of the public to exercise caution when buying land or stands, especially in areas where ownership may be disputed or controlled by companies, local authorities or private developers.
Authorities have warned that misrepresenting ownership in order to obtain money through false pretences is a criminal offence that can lead to prosecution, conviction and imprisonment.
Prospective buyers are urged to verify ownership, inspect title deeds or allocation documents, and confirm all transactions with the relevant local authorities, land developers or companies before paying any money. Due diligence can help prevent costly losses and protect the public from land scams.
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