Man Swindles Girlfriend of US$28,000 in Fake Land Deal
HARARE – A Harare man, Thomas Jemuse, is facing charges of fraud after allegedly duping his ex-girlfriend of US$28,000 in a failed property transaction.
Jemuse appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court yesterday, where he was remanded in custody as the court awaits a bail ruling today.
The court heard that in September 2022, Jemuse, who is employed as operations manager at Plan B Motor Spares (Private) Limited, convinced his then-girlfriend to purchase a 500-square-metre residential stand in Hogerty Hill, Borrowdale, Harare.
The property was initially priced at US$30,000, but the cost was later negotiated down to US$28,000.
Trusting Jemuse because of their relationship, the woman paid the full amount without verifying the authenticity of the property. However, Jemuse failed to deliver the property deed and became uncontactable, prompting his ex-girlfriend to file a police report.
Prosecutors allege Jemuse misrepresented the deal to intentionally defraud the woman, leaving her with no financial recovery to date.
The court is considering the evidence, and Harare magistrate Mr. Sheunesu Matova is presiding over the case.
The fraudulent act has highlighted the risks of trusting personal relationships for significant financial transactions.
