Tinotenda Hove – A Harare woman has appeared in court accused of masterminding a fraudulent housing scheme that allegedly duped more than 100 aspiring homeowners out of approximately US$120 000.

Natasha Rangarirai Mutambirwa appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo facing fraud charges. She was granted bail set at US$200 and remanded to May 22 as investigations continue.

The State, led by prosecutor Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe, alleges that between 2019 and 2025, Mutambirwa worked in collaboration with an accomplice, Tawanda Zeze—who is still at large—to execute a scheme aimed at deceiving land seekers through a fictitious housing trust.

According to court submissions, the pair created an entity known as More Than Conquerors Trust, which they marketed as a provider of residential stands to both local clients and Zimbabweans living abroad.

It is further alleged that Mutambirwa misled potential clients by claiming that the trust had donors willing to subsidise up to 85 percent of the cost of residential stands, with beneficiaries only required to pay the remaining 15 percent.

Prospective clients were reportedly invited to offices at Joina City in Harare, where they were encouraged to join the scheme by paying a non-refundable joining fee of US$200, along with monthly subscriptions of US$25.

The court heard that over 100 individuals paid into the scheme under the impression they would eventually receive residential stands. However, no stands were ever allocated.

Prosecutors allege that Mutambirwa diverted the funds for personal use, acquiring various assets including a residential stand in Mandara measuring 3,920 square metres, a Toyota Hilux double cab vehicle, a house in Ziko, Chitungwiza, and a plot in Macheke.

The total value of the assets allegedly purchased using proceeds from the scheme is estimated at US$120 000. Nothing has been recovered to date.