A Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) officer, Mr. Erick Chacha, has opposed bail for Harry Muzondo, a suspected fraudster accused of defrauding his employer, Sensene Investments (Pvt) Ltd, of US$60,000 through the unlawful sale of a stand.

Muzondo, who faces multiple fraud charges, allegedly sold Stand Number 7650 at Odar Farm, Harare, without the company’s consent.

In court, Mr. Chacha argued that Muzondo is a flight risk and may interfere with State witnesses if released.

He also noted that the charges carry a custodial sentence, which could induce the accused to abscond.

The State, represented by Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi, detailed the allegations against Muzondo.

The court heard that on July 8, 2015, the Ministry of Local Government issued a Deed of Transfer to Sensene Investments (Pvt) Ltd for a portion of land at Odar Farm as part of a national effort to regularize informal settlements.

Sensene Investments, represented in court by its Chief Operating Officer Marshall Jonga, was tasked with collecting compensation payments from existing occupants and issuing title deeds.

According to court documents, Muzondo, fully aware he had no authority, allegedly sold Stand Number 7650 to Livingstone Garikayi on July 19, 2017, for US60,000.

The sale was executed without the knowledge or consent of Sensene Investments, the legal title holder.

The State alleges that Muzondo misrepresented his position, leading Garikayi to believe the transaction was legitimate.

Garikayi, acting in good faith, paid the money but was left with no legal ownership of the property, suffering a financial prejudice of US60,000.

Muzondo faces a separate charge from 2012, involving the fraudulent sale of a different piece of land.

The court also heard that on December 4, 2012, Muzondo allegedly sold Stand Number 6994 of the remainder of Ador Farm, Southlea Park, to Rudo Christine Gorimani.

This occurred despite the Government of Zimbabwe having acquired the 605.8092-hectare farm in 2010, converting it into State land that could not be privately sold.

The State alleges that Muzondo knew the transaction was null and void and that his actions prejudiced the Government of Zimbabwe of thousands of dollars.