Munyaradzi Mashiri – Court Correspondent
The director of Enhanced Mortgaging Private Limited has appeared in court facing allegations of defrauding 34 people in a residential and commercial land scam amounting to US$162 000.
Demetria Zirenga appeared before magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa and was released on US$100 bail. She is expected back in court on May 19.
The court heard that in 2018, Enhanced Mortgaging advertised residential and commercial stands for sale on National FM Radio. The land on offer was said to cover 200 hectares at Boronia Farm, Chiedza Park, and was available in various sizes.
According to the State, on January 28, 2019, the company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with New Century Productions for the development of 200 hectares out of Boronia Farm’s 1,200 hectares. Under the agreement, Enhanced Mortgaging was to receive 60% of the residential stands and 25% of the commercial stands once development was completed and approved by relevant authorities.
However, the agreement was later terminated due to Enhanced Mortgaging's alleged non-compliance.
Despite this, Zirenga—together with fellow directors Harrison Marange, now deceased and identified as her husband, and Diston Matiya, who is currently on remand—allegedly continued to advertise and sell stands from 2018 to December 2023, knowing they no longer had legal claim to the land.
The State alleges that the trio misled 34 prospective buyers into paying deposits ranging between US$3,000 and US$10,000. Victims were issued stand allocation forms and given specific stand numbers in Chiedza Phase 1B after paying at least 30% of the purchase price, with many continuing to make monthly installments in good faith.
The alleged fraud was uncovered when the buyers attempted to take possession of their stands and were met with repeated excuses. A visit to Boronia Farm revealed that Enhanced Mortgaging had no legal authority over the land, which is still owned by New Century Productions.
To date, none of the funds have been recovered.
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