HARARE, May 29 (NewsDay Live) — Property developer Vevhu Resources has withdrawn fraud charges against three Spitzkop residents accused of illegally selling residential stands belonging to the company and pocketing the proceeds.
The three — Tafadzwa Runesu, Simblisiyo Matiza and Ramos Masize — had been facing fraud allegations before the Harare Magistrates Court over the sale of stands at Lot 14, Spitzkop, an area marketed as Vantage under Zvimba District.
The charges were withdrawn before magistrate Artwell Sanyatwe after Vevhu Resources opted to pursue dialogue with the local community and affected land buyers.
Vevhu Resources general manager Khumbulani Magama told the court that the company had chosen engagement over litigation, noting that some of the people who purchased the stands were innocent buyers who may not have been aware of the ownership dispute.
“We have shifted towards dialogue and co-operation with the community,” Magama said. “The withdrawal of charges is intended to create room for engagement with all affected parties and to resolve the dispute amicably without prejudice.”
He said the move was also meant as an olive branch to those who acquired stands through the accused, allowing all parties to work toward a settlement.
Vevhu Resources maintains that it is the lawful owner of the land, having obtained the necessary approvals and permits from the Ministry of Local Government in July 2022.
The company has previously been involved in disputes with some residents and community groups opposed to its development plans, arguing that its activities are being carried out in accordance with government approvals.
Following the withdrawal of the charges, Magama urged individuals who purchased stands through the accused persons to engage the company.
“We call upon everyone who bought stands through these individuals to approach us so that their allocations can be regularised and proper payment arrangements can be made,” he said.
According to court papers, the three accused allegedly misrepresented themselves as owners of several stands at Lot 14 and sold them to more than 13 unsuspecting buyers, receiving various payments.
Prosecutors had alleged that the transactions exposed Vevhu Resources to potential prejudice amounting to US$320,000.
The matter has been withdrawn before plea.