<p class="" data-end="295" data-start="54">Harare Magistrate Ethel Chichera has sentenced Prosper Biziweki (48) to three years in prison after convicting him of forging the title deed of former Minister of Education Dzingai Mutumbuka’s house, which was fraudulently sold in June 2021.</p>
<p class="" data-end="427" data-start="297">Biziweki will, however, serve an effective two-year jail term after Chichera suspended one year on the condition of good behaviour.</p>
<p class="" data-end="574" data-start="429">Another suspect in the fraud case, Tatenda Wakatama, was acquitted on the grounds that he only placed an advertisement for the sale of the house.</p>
<p class="" data-end="707" data-start="576">Chichera, however, criticized the police for excluding several key suspects who she said should have been arrested for the offence.</p>
<p class="" data-end="874" data-start="709">She ruled that the forgery and illegal sale of the house were carried out by a syndicate, and most of its members had been turned into State witnesses by the police.</p>
<p class="" data-end="1079" data-start="876">Chichera noted that one Lynna Mlambo stole Mutumbuka’s title deed from the Deeds Office, where she worked as a supervisor, but was brought in as a State witness by investigating officer Tafadzwa Marashe.</p>
<p class="" data-end="1198" data-start="1081">The police could not account for Jonah Ngome, who sold Mutumbuka’s house and in whose name the forged title deed was.</p>
<h2>How the Fraud was Executed</h2>
<p>The court heard that in June 2021, Wakatama, Biziweki, and Ngome stole from Mutumbuka by forging the title deed for his house.</p>
<p>They took the original title deed for house number 90 Harare Drive in Chisipite, Harare, and created a fake title deed in Ngome’s name.</p>
<p>They advertised the house on social media using the fake title deed.</p>
<p>Harrison Marange showed interest in buying the property, with Kenias Mutyisira helping to arrange the sale.</p>
<p>The two parties agreed on a price of US$140,000 for the house, with US$90,000 paid upfront as a deposit and US$50,000 to be paid after the property was registered and transferred.</p>
<p>Marange paid Ngome US$45,000 in September 2021 as part of the deposit, with the remaining US$45,000 due in October 2021.</p>
<p>The police stopped the transaction after Mangwere from the Registrar’s Office confirmed that the title deed in Ngome’s name was fake.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200039982/magistrate-blasts-police-in-mutumbuka-case">NewsDay</a></strong></p>


Pindula News

A man named Prosper Biziweki was sentenced to three years in jail for forging a title deed and selling a former minister's house. He will serve two years in jail. Another suspect was acquitted. The police were criticized for not arresting all key suspects involved in the fraud. The court found that the forgery and sale of the house were done by a group of people. The fraudsters created a fake title deed, advertised the house, and sold it for $140,000. The transaction was stopped when officials found out the title deed was fake.

Man Sentenced To Three Years In Jail For Forging Title Deed And Selling Former Minister’s House

<p>The conviction of <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200020519/ex-minister-mutumbuka-loses-supreme-court-appeal">Prosper Bizwick</a> by Harare magistrate Ethel Sichera has shed light on the deep-rooted corruption within the Deeds Office, exposing how those entrusted with public service can betray their responsibilities for personal gain. You may have the title deeds in your possession and still lose your property. The case, revolves the forgery of title deeds belonging to <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Dzingai_Mutumbuka/">Dr. Dzingai Mutumbuka</a> and highlights significant lapses in the legal and policing systems that facilitate such fraudulent activities.</p>
<p>Bizwick, 48, has been found guilty of illegally forging title deeds for Dr. Mutumbuka’s property and is poised to receive his sentence soon, following the revocation of his bail. However, what is troubling is the apparent failure of the police to apprehend several key individuals in this fraudulent scheme. Among those not arrested is Laina Mlambo, a supervisor at the Deeds Office. It is alleged that she played an integral role in this illegal operation by stealing Dr. Mutumbuka’s title deeds and handing them over to Bizwick, presenting a stark example of collusion within the very office meant to safeguard property rights.</p>
<p>Adding to the complexity of the case is the involvement of other individuals, including Harrison Marange, who recently passed away, reportedly purchased the property worth US$600,000 for merely US$40,000. This calls into question the transparency and ethical standards of all parties involved. As Magistrate Sichera pointed out, it remains baffling that the police failed to bring Jonah Ngome into custody, a figure involved in the property’s conveyance who ostensibly altered Dr. Mutumbuka’s title deed. Ngome went through a registered law firm, providing a clear trail for police to follow, yet, his whereabouts have not been accounted for, prompting speculation about whether he exists at all.</p>
<p>The implications of this case extend far beyond just one defendant. The toll on Dr. Mutumbuka, who has endured a protracted battle lasting nearly four years, illustrates the emotional and financial drain inflicted on honest property owners. The drawn-out legal proceedings have not only been taxing on his finances but have also cast a shadow of insecurity over property ownership in Zimbabwe. Property owners are now left to grapple with the reality that their hard-earned investments could be at risk due to systemic corruption within institutions tasked with safeguarding these assets.</p>
<p>This case underscores a pressing need for property owners in Zimbabwe to verify their ownership status regularly. With the increasing prevalence of title deed fraud, it is imperative that property owners engage in proactive measures to protect themselves from becoming victims. This includes routinely checking their property titles with the Deeds Office and remaining vigilant about any suspicious activities surrounding their properties.</p>
<p>The case raises critical questions about the integrity of the Deeds Office and its employees. If those in trusted office are involved in fraudulent activities, it creates a culture of mistrust and fear among property owners. The conviction of Bizwick is a small step toward accountability, yet, without addressing the underlying corruption, it is merely a drop in the ocean.</p>
<p>Moreover, the police’s failure to act against accomplices like Mlambo and Ngome indicates a systemic issue within law enforcement as well. It begs the question, how many more cases of fraud go unchecked due to negligence or complicity within the ranks? Magistrate Sichera’s frustrations with the police reflect a broader concern about their effectiveness in addressing property crimes, particularly those that involve organised schemes at higher levels.</p>
<p>I am calling for transparent investigation into the workings of the Deeds Office and the actions of those involved in title deed transactions is crucial. This includes not only punishing those who are directly involved in the fraudulent activities but also implementing measures that safeguard against future occurrences. Regular audits, better training for employees and stronger repercussions for those involved are essential steps toward restoring confidence in the system.</p>
<p>This is a case that should serve as a catalyst for broader reforms within Zimbabwe’s property management and legal frameworks. A comprehensive overhaul of the Deeds Office, combined with increased oversight and accountability, can significantly reduce instances of fraud and protect the rights of property owners.</p>
<p>The corruption evident in the Mutumbuka-Bizwick case is an example of a much larger problem within the Deeds Office and the policing of property crimes in Zimbabwe. It is time for decisive action to protect property owners and ensure the integrity of real estate transactions. Until that happens, the risk of becoming a victim of title deed fraud remains a looming threat for many Zimbabweans, especially those in diaspora. To protect one’s investment, it is essential to remain vigilant, verify ownership regularly and advocate for systemic reform aimed at eradicating such corrupt practices from the roots.</p>
<p>If you own a property and have been away from Zimbabwe please check that you still own your property.</p>
<p><em>This article was written by Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi</em></p>


There was a man named Prosper Bizwick who forged title deeds and stole property belonging to Dr. Dzingai Mutumbuka in Zimbabwe. Even though he got caught, the police failed to arrest key people involved in the scheme, like Laina Mlambo and Jonah Ngome. This case shows how corruption in the Deeds Office can harm honest property owners. Property owners in Zimbabwe need to check their ownership regularly to protect themselves from fraud. The government needs to take action to stop corruption in the Deeds Office and ensure property owners are safe.

Message for all Zimbabwe’s Property Owners

<p>Zimbabwe’s first Education minister, Dr Dzingai Mutumbuka, recently <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/29/former-education-minister-mutumbuka-narrates-how-his-us600000-house-was-stolen/">revealed that he almost lost his house, valued at US$600,000</a></strong>, to an organised syndicate of thieves operating in collaboration with the Deeds Registry Office and the judiciary. This shocking revelation highlights the pervasive nature of corruption in Zimbabwe and the vulnerability of property owners to fraudulent activities.</p>
<p>Mutumbuka, who served as the Minister of Education and Culture from 1980 to 1988, and later held senior management positions at the World Bank, has been embroiled in a legal battle to reclaim his property for the past two years.</p>
<h3>What Transpired:</h3>
<p>The case began when two individuals, Prosper Biziweck and Tatenda “Shaft” Wakatama, appeared in court facing forgery charges. It was alleged that they produced fake documents and sold Mutumbuka’s house, working in conjunction with accomplices and officials from the Deeds Registry offices.</p>
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<p>The fraudsters managed to sell Mutumbuka’s house to Harrison Marange for a mere US$140,000, significantly below its actual value. Shockingly, High Court Justice <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Webster_Chinamora/">Webster Chinamora</a></strong>, who has since <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/17/high-court-judge-chinamora-resigns-ahead-of-a-tribunal-inquiry/">resigned under a cloud of corruption charges,</a></strong> granted an order for Mutumbuka to vacate his own property. Mutumbuka appealed at the Supreme Court. Watch the video below for more.</p>
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 640px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="360" id="video-267303-1" preload="metadata" width="640"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Mutumbuka.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Mutumbuka.mp4">https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Mutumbuka.mp4</a></video></div>
</div>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>
</div>

WATCH: Former Minister Mutumbuka Narrates How Thieves Tried To Sell His House

<p>Zimbabwe’s first Education minister, Dr Dzingai Mutumbuka, recently revealed that he almost lost his house, valued at US$600,000, to an organised syndicate of thieves operating in collaboration with the Deeds Registry Office and the judiciary. This shocking revelation highlights the pervasive nature of corruption in Zimbabwe and the vulnerability of property owners to fraudulent activities.</p>
<p>Mutumbuka, who served as the Minister of Education and Culture from 1980 to 1988, and later held senior management positions at the World Bank, has been embroiled in a legal battle to reclaim his property for the past two years.</p>
<h3>What Transpired:</h3>
<p>The case began when two individuals, Prosper Biziweck and Tatenda “Shaft” Wakatama, appeared in court facing forgery charges. It was alleged that they produced fake documents and sold Mutumbuka’s house, working in conjunction with accomplices and officials from the Deeds Registry offices.</p>
<p>The fraudsters managed to sell Mutumbuka’s house to Harrison Marange for a mere US$140,000, significantly below its actual value. Shockingly, High Court Justice <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Webster_Chinamora/">Webster Chinamora</a></strong>, who has since <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/17/high-court-judge-chinamora-resigns-ahead-of-a-tribunal-inquiry/">resigned under a cloud of corruption charges,</a></strong> granted an order for Mutumbuka to vacate his own property.</p>
<p>Fortunately, Mutumbuka acted swiftly and appealed to the Supreme Court, and he is confident that he will ultimately recover the stolen title to his property. He says he has also raised concerns about rampant corruption in Zimbabwe during discussions with President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Mutumbuka emphasised that while prominent individuals may have some safeguard against corruption, ordinary citizens, particularly the poor, remain vulnerable to such nefarious activities.</p>
<p>Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono says the case serves as a warning and a grim reminder of the dangers posed by a corrupt system aided by collusion between fraudsters and state officials. It not only jeopardises the rights and investments of property owners but also undermines confidence in the country’s legal and justice systems. He says the incident carries implications beyond Mutumbuka’s personal experience, as it highlights the risks faced by Zimbabweans in the diaspora and potential international investors.</p>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>


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