Zvikomborero Parafini
CITY businessman Tendai Maredza has been implicated in a US$20 000 fraud storm after he allegedly duped a land seeker in a botched stand deal.
Maredza appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi on his behalf and on behalf of his company Cleverhill Investments (Pvt) Ltd.
The complainant is Estone Zvidzayi.
The court heard that in March, Zvidzayi got information that Cleverhill Investments were selling residential stands in Crowhill.
He went to their offices and met Maredza. In a meeting with Maredza and one Ngorima, who is still at large, Zvidzayi was told that the company was selling stands ranging from 500 to 1000 square meters.
Zvidzayi picked Stand number 9176, measuring 1000 square metres, which they told him was for sale for US$10 000.
Maredza allegedly delegated Ngorima to accompany Zvidzayi to Crowhill to view the stand on offer.
On March 24, Zvidzayi was taken to view the stand and was shown Stand number 9189.
The stand belongs to Tawanda Moyo.
Zvidzayi was deceived into believing that it was Stand Number 9176 on the Crowhill layout plan.
Zvidzayi paid the full purchase price for the stand the same day and an Agreement of Sale was signed between Cleverhill Investments, represented by Maredza, and Zvidzayi.
Later that month, armed with the Agreement Of Sale, Zvidzayi visited the stand and found out that Moyo had erected a cabin at the stand.
After an altercation with Moyo, Zvidzayi was shown a peg inscribed Stand 9189, which was different from the Stand 9176.
Zvidzayi confronted Maredza who admitted that there had been a mistake and promised to replace the stand.
Incredibly, Maredza told Zvidzayi his company had surveyed and developed new stands in the same area, which were ready for sale.
He paid another US$10 000 towards Stand Number 10360, measuring 1000 square meters.
When he compelled Maredza to take him to the stand, Zvidzayi was shown an open wetland without any pegging and yet to be developed.
Several efforts have been made to recover the stolen money and when Zvidzayi realised he had been duped, he filed a police report.