Real estate company sells BCC land

A Real estate company has been brought before the court for allegedly selling a residential stand that is owned by the Bulawayo City Council (BCC). When Landwey Construction Private Limited, represented by Vainah Moyo, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Maxwell Ncube on Friday of last week in relation to a US$3,400 fraud, it was not given the opportunity to enter a plea. The case was postponed until December 20. According to the State, Moyo devised a scheme on February 10 to con Sibangani Sibanda, who desired to purchase a residential stand. Sibanda reportedly called Moyo on February 12 of this year using her cellphone to ask about the residential stand after Moyo allegedly advertised a few stands on Facebook.The case was postponed until December 20. Moyo allegedly informed Sibanda that the stands at Cowdray Park were no longer available and could only be found in the suburbs of Nketa 8, Nketa 9, and Emganwini. The two planned to meet the next day to see the stands, according to testimony given to the court. Court documents state that at approximately 9am in the morning on February 13, Moyo sent Easyboy Tshabangu, one of her employees, to Sibanda, who then drove her to Nketa 8 and Nketa 9 to see the residential stands. Sibanda showed interest in one of the 400 square meter infill stands after seeing the residential stands. After that, Tshabangu brought Sibanda to Moyo's residence, where she verified that the stand was for sale for US$9,000. Once payment was received in full, she assured that she will provide the stand number. Sibanda was allegedly told by Moyo to pay at her workplace, and Tshabangu escorted her to an office located in the heart of Bulawayo. Sibanda gave US$3,400 as a down payment for the stand, and Mzingaye Dhlamini accepted it on Moyo's behalf. Dhlamini signed the receipt and drew up an acceptance of receipt dated February 15. Sibanda countersigned. As witnesses, Tshabangu and Dhlamini signed. Sibanda apparently realized she had been tricked on February 16 when Moyo called and claimed not to have her personal information. The court heard that after Sibanda reported the incident to the Bulawayo Central Police Station, investigations were conducted and it was determined that BCC owned the aforementioned residential stand. Sibanda received US$2,600 in damages, of which US$800 was retrieved.