Former Minister’s Property Targeted in Alleged Forgery Scheme

Former Zimbabwean Minister of Education, Dr Dzingai Mutumbuka, reportedly became the victim of an elaborate real estate fraud, according to a police detective involved in the ongoing investigation. The case highlights the growing sophistication of organized crime targeting valuable properties.

Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Tafadzwa Marashe, testified in Harare Magistrates Court that the alleged scheme to steal Mutumbuka’s Chisipite residence involved forging title deeds and a network of individuals with specific roles. Marashe, who works for the Criminal Investigations Department’s Property Unit, called it one of the most complex fraud cases he’s encountered.

The ongoing trial at Rotten Row Magistrates Court centres around allegations that a group, including Prosper Biziweck and Tatenda Wakatama, forged the title deeds to Mutumbuka’s US$600,000 property. While their names weren’t on the fraudulent sales agreement, Marashe claims they played crucial parts in the scheme.

Unveiling the Alleged Roles

Marashe detailed the suspects’ alleged functions within the syndicate. Biziweck, according to the investigation, aimed to obtain the title deeds from the Registrar of Deeds office. He allegedly used his supposed girlfriend, Lynna Mlambo, who worked as a supervisor there, to facilitate this.

Wakatama’s role, as described by Marashe, was to find potential buyers for the stolen property. Jonah Ngome, who remains at large, allegedly posed as the owner during these sales attempts. After acquiring the title deed, Ngome is accused of digitally altering it to show his name as the owner.

Mlambo, although initially admitting involvement in a cautioned statement, retracted her claims in court, stating she didn’t know the other suspects. The prosecution alleges that Mlambo, Biziweck, Wakatama, two unnamed accomplices, and Ngome conspired on June 22nd, 2021, to forge Mutumbuka’s title deed (number 4480/88) and transfer ownership to Ngome.

The magistrate, Ethel Chichera, adjourned the case until April 12th, 2024.