Chitungwiza Council warns against illegal Zengeza 3 stands sold via WhatsApp

Chitungwiza Council warns against illegal Zengeza 3 stands sold via WhatsApp

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Chitungwiza Municipality has cautioned prospective home seekers against buying residential stands near Zengeza 8 Primary School in Zengeza 3, saying the land is being advertised and sold illegally through WhatsApp platforms.

In a public notice, acting town clerk Japson Nemuseso said council had received reports that some individuals were unlawfully marketing stands on land adjacent to the school without any authority from the municipality.

Nemuseso said the alleged sellers were using WhatsApp groups with limited membership to advertise the stands, which council believes is intended to avoid scrutiny.

“Chitungwiza Municipality hereby categorically states that it has not authorised any individual, group or company to peg, allocate or sell stands on its behalf in the area concerned,” Nemuseso said.

He said a site plan being circulated to prospective buyers is “fraudulent” and not connected to the municipality, adding that council is not issuing offer letters for the alleged stands.

“Claims are that prospective beneficiaries are required to pay US$300 for an offer letter,” he said. “Any transactions entered into with the individuals involved are illegal and council dissociates itself entirely from such dealings.”

Nemuseso said the only legitimate process for acquiring a residential stand in Chitungwiza is through official municipal channels, with all payments made directly to council and supported by official receipts.

“The only lawful way to acquire a residential stand is through council’s official channels with all payments made directly to council and supported by official receipts,” he said.

Council urged anyone who may have paid money to the alleged land dealers, or believes they have been defrauded, to report the matter to the nearest police station. The municipality also advised residents to verify the authenticity of any land transaction with council before making payments.

Nemuseso warned that illegal land sales and unauthorised developments violate the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, and referenced the Criminal Penalties Amendment Act No. 22 of 2001, which provides for penalties including a fine not exceeding Level Seven or imprisonment for up to six months, or both, for certain contraventions.

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Although the warning relates to Chitungwiza, residents in Mashonaland Central who are seeking stands in towns such as Bindura, Guruve, Mazowe or Mount Darwin are also being encouraged to follow due process, confirm ownership and approvals with the relevant local authority, and avoid paying cash to individuals outside official channels.

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