A suspected bogus estate agent appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on allegations of defrauding a buyer of US$33 000 in a botched property deal.
Don Garikayi Budzi was granted US$200 bail by magistrate Ruth Moyo and ordered not to interfere with State witnesses pending finalisation of the matter.
The complainant is Ruth Kaodza (56).
The State alleges that in December 2025, Kaodza approached Budzi, who presented himself as an estate agent, seeking assistance to purchase a house.
Budzi allegedly took her to Dzivarasekwa 4, where he showed her several properties purportedly on sale. She selected Stand No. 15124 Dzivarasekwa, reportedly owned by Kudakwashe Gwete and valued at US$30 000.
According to court papers, Kaodza met Budzi at his offices on December 17, 2025, where he had prepared an agreement of sale between her and the alleged seller.
The court heard that Kaodza paid Budzi US$33 500, covering the purchase price and processing fees.
After receiving the money, Budzi and the complainant reportedly waited for the seller, who failed to turn up.
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Detectives from CID Commercial Crimes Division (CCD) Harare received a tip-off about the alleged fraudulent sale and went to Budzi’s offices, where they found Kaodza and her daughters still waiting for the seller.
Efforts to contact the alleged seller were unsuccessful, as he was no longer answering calls.
Budzi was subsequently arrested, and the money was recovered.
