Chitungwiza Warns Public Over Fraudulent Residential Stands Sale in Zengeza

CHITUNGWIZA — Chitungwiza Municipality has warned members of the public against purchasing residential stands being illegally marketed near Zengeza 8 Primary School, saying fraudsters are targeting home seekers through social media platforms.

The local authority says it has received reports of individuals unlawfully selling land adjacent to Zengeza 8 Primary School in Zengeza 3, allegedly collecting money from unsuspecting buyers under the false pretence of offering legitimate residential stands. In a notice issued on 15 June 2026, Acting Town Clerk Japson Nemuseso urged prospective home seekers to verify the authenticity of any land transaction with the municipality before making payments.

Nemuseso said the municipality had not authorised any individual, company, or group to allocate, peg, or sell residential stands on its behalf in the area concerned.

“The site plan being circulated to prospective buyers is fraudulent and has no connection with Chitungwiza Municipality,” he said.

According to the council, the alleged land sales are being promoted primarily through WhatsApp groups with limited membership, a tactic authorities believe is intended to avoid public scrutiny and detection.

The municipality said fraudsters are reportedly demanding payments from prospective beneficiaries, including fees purportedly required for offer letters.

“Council is not issuing any offer letters in respect of these alleged stands. Claims are that prospective beneficiaries are required to pay US$300 for an offer letter,” Nemuseso said.

The council stressed that any transactions entered into with the individuals behind the alleged scheme are illegal and will not be recognised by the municipality.

“Any transactions entered into with the individuals involved are illegal, and Council dissociates itself entirely from such dealings,” Nemuseso said.

He emphasised that the only lawful method of acquiring a residential stand in Chitungwiza is through official municipal channels.

“The only lawful way to acquire a residential stand is through Council’s official channels, with all payments made directly to Council and supported by official receipts,” he added.

The municipality urged anyone who has already paid money to suspected land scammers to report the matter immediately to the police.

“Any person who has paid money to, or has been defrauded by, these individuals is urged to report the matter immediately to the nearest Police Station,” Nemuseso said.

He also encouraged residents to alert either Chitungwiza Municipality or the Zimbabwe Republic Police whenever they become aware of suspected illegal land sales.

The warning comes amid recurring reports of fraudulent land sales across Zimbabwe's urban areas, where home seekers are often targeted by individuals posing as land developers, housing cooperatives, or municipal agents. Local authorities have repeatedly advised prospective property buyers to verify ownership documents, allocation records, and payment procedures before committing funds to land transactions.

Officials say exercising due diligence and dealing only with recognised institutions remains the best protection against property-related fraud. The municipality reiterated its commitment to safeguarding residents from scams and urged the public to remain vigilant when responding to land advertisements circulated on social media platforms.

Chitungwiza fake residential stands