Peter Rupiya, fugitive real estate agent, faces fresh fraud charges for allegedly defrauding land buyer of $14,400

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A 67-year-old real estate agent, Peter Rupiya, who had been on the run since November last year, has appeared in court facing fresh fraud charges.

Rupiya was brought before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where he was set to undergo a default inquiry as part of his effort to seek the cancellation of a warrant of arrest and apply for bail.

However, he unexpectedly withdrew his bail application. Magistrate Mr Artwell Sanyatwe remanded him in custody until November 12.

The court heard that Rupiya had previously appeared for similar fraud charges under case number CRB 5249/24 and was granted bail.

However, after failing to appear in court on November 4, 2024, a warrant of arrest was issued. He subsequently went into hiding.

In the latest case, the complainant is Mr Brian Chisvo, who was allegedly defrauded of US$14 400 through the sale of a non-existent piece of land.

According to Prosecutor Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe, in July 2024, Chisvo sought to buy land for farming purposes.

He was referred to Rupiya, who claimed to co-own a 10-hectare piece of land at Lingdale Farm in Bromley, Goromonzi, along with an alleged partner, Ramson Marufu.

After meeting in Harare’s central business district, Rupiya reportedly took Mr Chisvo to view the land in Goromonzi.

Satisfied with the property, Mr Chisvo agreed to buy it for US$14 400 and paid cash.

However, when Mr Chisvo attempted to take possession of the land in August 2024, he discovered that the land was owned by someone else.

Attempts to contact Rupiya proved futile as he became evasive, prompting Mr Chisvo to report the matter to the police.

He suffered an actual prejudice of US$14 400 and nothing has been recovered.

Herald