SEKE ward 11 councillor Patson Chipunza (Zanu PF), who is accused of fraudulently subdividing and selling land belonging to the late former Mines and Mining Development minister Amos Midzi’s estate, yesterday appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Dennis Mangosi facing a charge of fraud.
Chipunza, who is being represented by lawyer Rene Kuchidza, was remanded in custody to July 11.
The magistrate ruled that Chipunza was not a good candidate for bail, stating that he may influence State witnesses.
He further said Chipunza was a flight risk and could abscond trial.
In opposing bail, investigating officer Kingston Zivanai said Chipunza had another case in Beatrice which is under investigation.
Zivanai told the court that Chipunza has other cases at the Chitungwiza Magistrates Court involving the same farm, hence he was likely to commit cases of a similar nature.
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Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi alleged that in December 2002, the Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development ministry allocated Subdivision 1 of Earling Farm in Beatrice, measuring 347 hectares to Midzi.
When Midzi died, the farm was never reallocated to anyone, hence it is part of his estate.
In December 2022, Chipunza allegedly fraudulently subdivided the farm and engaged an agent, Templeton Chadyiwa, to advertise the sale of the subdivided land.
In January 2023, land developer Phillip Chapfunga saw an advert and approached the agent.
He was referred to Chipunza, who allegedly masqueraded as the village head and owner of the land.
Acting on the misrepresentation, Chapfunga acquired a piece of land measuring 63ha for US$29 000 and made additional investment of US$41 000 in farm infrastructure.
The fraud was discovered by a co-executor of the estate, Chido Makazhu, who reported the matter to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, leading to Chipunza’s arrest.