Homeseeker loses $16 000 to house fraudsters

A WOMAN from Emganwini suburb in Bulawayo allegedly took advantage of a desperate home seeker and produced fake documents to sell a Matsheumhlope stand, defrauding the buyer of $16 000.

Simangaliso Muringi pleaded not guilty to fraud before Bulawayo Magistrate Miss Evelyn Mashavakure on Friday.

She was remanded in custody to October 25 for trial.

Prosecuting, Miss Leean Nkomo told the court that Muringi connived with Edmond Makonese, who is already in custody for the same offence.

“Accused was approached by Negion Majahana Moyo and Memo Shirto who wanted to buy a stand in Bulawayo. Accused and Makonese escorted the potential buyers to stand number 189 Matsheumhlope. The stand belongs to Sikhanyisiwe Phiri based in South Africa. They promised to avail the registered owner. On January 16 this year, they introduced a certain lady whom they purported to be Phiri. She was in possession of a fake national identity card registration number 66-295253-L-66,” said Miss Nkomo.

“By means of this misrepresentation, Moyo paid a total of $16 000 for the forged documents thereby causing the complainant to suffer an actual prejudice of $30 000 being the total value of the stand.”

Early this month, Acting Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Garikai Chipfunde warned members of the public to desist from buying properties without full information of the owners of the houses or stands.

Asst Insp Chipfunde said it was worrying that members of the public were doing business transactions involving the purchase of houses on the streets or with people they have no background about. “Members of the public are strongly encouraged to approach the relevant authorities and seek verification from the city council housing department, the deceased estate section at Tredgold Magistrate Court or at Master of High Court for clarification on any building or property that they intend to buy,” said Asst Insp Chipfunde.— @tannytkay.