Harare Man Loses US$870,000 in Alleged Fake Land Deal in Hatfield

HARARE – A Harare businessman has reportedly lost US$870,000 in an alleged fraudulent land transaction involving a residential property in Hatfield, in what is emerging as another major Zimbabwe property scam. According to reports, Sean Nyawo, 32, of Mount Pleasant, claims he was duped by Shepherd Chizani of Westgate after allegedly being sold land using fake title deeds and forged ownership documents. The disputed property is identified as Lot Number 40, Hatfield Estates, measuring approximately 5.7 acres under Deeds Transfer Number 561/69.

Nyawo told investigators that sometime in August 2025, Chizani approached him claiming to represent Rupert Investments, which he allegedly said owned the land. The suspect reportedly produced documents purporting to authorise the sale of the property. Believing the transaction was legitimate, Nyawo allegedly paid an initial deposit of US$50,000 before making two further payments. Court and police records indicate that:

• US$50,000 was allegedly paid as a deposit

• US$630,000 was later transferred on August 22, 2025

• A final payment of US$190,000 was allegedly made on September 24, 2025

The total amount allegedly lost now stands at US$870,000.

The alleged scam only came to light on March 18 this year when Nyawo reportedly visited the property intending to begin physical developments on the land. While at the site, he was allegedly confronted by another individual claiming to represent Rupert Investments. The representative reportedly produced original title deeds showing the land had never been sold and remained under the company’s ownership. Nyawo then realised he may have been the victim of an elaborate land scam and filed a police report. Investigations reportedly established that the documents used during the transaction were fraudulent and that Chizani allegedly had no authority to sell the property.

The case adds to growing concerns over land fraud and fake stand sales in Zimbabwe, particularly in and around Harare, where home seekers and investors continue losing large sums of money to fraudulent land dealers. Property law expert Tafadzwa Mugabe said buyers should always conduct independent verification at the Deeds Office before transferring money.

“Purchasers must confirm title ownership directly with the Deeds Registry and insist on official sale agreements verified by registered conveyancers,” Mugabe said.

Police sources say the matter is now under investigation at Zimbabwe Republic Police Marlborough Police Station under reference number RRB 6780926. National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi could not immediately be reached for comment. The incident comes amid increasing reports of illegal land sales, fake title deeds and double allocations affecting both urban and peri-urban areas across Zimbabwe.

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