HARARE - A Waterfalls man has been hauled before the courts for attempting to defraud businessman Philip Chiyangwa of $48 million through housing stand deals.
Onius Muhoma, 47, of 11025 Stoneridge, Waterfalls, appeared before Harare magistrate Tendai Mahwe facing fraud charges.
He was remanded to March 28 on $100 bail.
As part of bail conditions, the magistrate ordered Muhoma to surrender his travel documents, reside at his given address and not interfere with state witnesses.
Prosecutor Sharon Mashavira alleged that Muhoma and other unknown accused persons reportedly connived to unlawfully misrepresent to clients that the land situated in the remainder of Stoneridge area, Waterfalls, in Harare did not belong to Pinnacle Property.
They reportedly claimed the land was state property, although they had bought a stand from Pinnacle Property.
Muhoma convinced the residents to pay for the stands directly to him, so as to process housing documents.
It is further alleged that Muhoma sold other stands in the same area without the knowledge and consent of Pinnacle Property, leading to a potential prejudice of $48 million. Muhoma was arrested during a meeting with residents on the land in question, where he reportedly warned occupants not to subscribe to Pinaccle Property Housing Scheme, but directly to him.