A 36-year-old Borrowdale woman appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court facing fraud charges after allegedly selling a property she had already sold to another buyer, prejudicing Bango Family Trust of US$80,000.
Sabina Mapfanya appeared before magistrate Ruth Moyo charged with fraud. She was granted US$300 bail and remanded to June 23 pending the finalisation of investigations.
The complainant is Bango Family Trust, represented by Armstrong Mapanga. The State is represented by prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu.
The court heard that in July 2025, Mapfanya allegedly approached the complainant offering to sell Villa 45 Carrick Creagh in Borrowdale, Harare, together with a semi-finished house on the property.
She allegedly indicated that she required funds to start a business venture.
According to the State, the parties negotiated and agreed on a purchase price of US$120,000, payable in instalments, with an initial deposit of US$27,000.
The complainant subsequently paid the deposit through his lawyers, and Mapfanya allegedly signed an acknowledgement of debt confirming receipt of the funds.
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Following the agreement, the complainant reportedly began developing the property.
The court heard that the complainant later travelled to Australia, leaving Mapfanya in occupation of the property after she allegedly requested permission to remain there while searching for alternative accommodation.
However, the State alleges that during the complainant's absence, Mapfanya took advantage of the arrangement and sold the property to another buyer without the complainant's knowledge or consent.
The alleged fraud came to light in September 2025 when the complainant returned to Zimbabwe intending to settle the outstanding balance for the property, only to discover that it had allegedly been sold to someone else.
A report was subsequently made to the police, leading to investigations and Mapfanya's arrest.
The State alleges that the complainant suffered a prejudice of US$80,000 and that no recoveries have been made.
Investigations are continuing.
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