Authorities arrested Lilian Chitanga and Spencer Mabeka for their roles in a fraudulent land scheme targeting desperate homebuyers. Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa granted both suspects bail at US$400 each with strict reporting conditions. The pair must avoid witness contact and report to the Commercial Crimes Division biweekly. Chitanga directed Brickstone Builders and Contractors when she allegedly orchestrated the April 2022 fraud. Both defendants face additional pending charges in separate cases.
Chitanga reportedly trespassed on municipal property in Belvedere before subdividing the area into residential plots. She created fake sale agreements and hired developers to construct access roads for legitimacy. The operation sold sixteen stands measuring between 1,000 and 4,000 square meters to unsuspecting buyers. Families invested life savings to build homes on the illegally acquired land. City officials later demolished all structures after discovering the trespass.
Victims lost US$345,000 in the first fraud count, while additional complainants suffered US$74,000 in losses from the second scheme.
Chitanga reportedly trespassed on municipal property in Belvedere before subdividing the area into residential plots. She created fake sale agreements and hired developers to construct access roads for legitimacy. The operation sold sixteen stands measuring between 1,000 and 4,000 square meters to unsuspecting buyers. Families invested life savings to build homes on the illegally acquired land. City officials later demolished all structures after discovering the trespass.
Victims lost US$345,000 in the first fraud count, while additional complainants suffered US$74,000 in losses from the second scheme.
