Martin Mawaya
GWERU—A Gweru based estate agent has appeared before the Magistrates’ Court facing fraud and assault charges after allegedly selling residential stands belonging to River Valley Properties without authority.
Olapen Chikoore (34), who operates Otichmar Investments, is accused of illegally selling stands in Hertfordshire and collecting money from unsuspecting home seekers.
He pleaded guilty to two counts of assault and was remanded to July 27 for sentencing.
Chikoore will return to court on August 7 for trial on the fraud charge.
The court heard that on July 21, River Valley employee Vhusa Madziva allegedly found Chikoore trespassing at the Hertfordshire project.
Madziva reportedly confronted Chikoore over a residential stand he had allegedly sold without authorisation, resulting in a confrontation.
The court heard that Chikoore became violent and allegedly pushed Madziva to the ground.
Madziva then sought assistance from his colleague, Derek Dube.
Chikoore allegedly armed himself with two stones, hurled insults at the two employees and threatened to assault them.
The employees reportedly called for reinforcements before managing to subdue Chikoore and handing him over to the police.
The court further heard that Chikoore had previously been arrested several times in connection with the alleged illegal sale of River Valley Properties’ stands while claiming to be an agent for Mugeza Hove.
Hove reportedly has stands in the project allocated under the Government’s Commonage facility.
Chikoore was previously convicted alongside Hove and fined more than $70 000 for illegally selling River Valley Properties’ stands in Hertfordshire Phase 2.
