Harare Man Arrested Over US$121,500 House Deal Gone Wrong

By Staff Reporter
A 44-year-old Harare man has appeared in court facing a theft of trust property charge after allegedly failing to account for US$121,500 entrusted to him by a friend to purchase a house in Zimbabwe.

Ronaldo Sunungurai Chirochangu is accused of receiving the money from Martin Masawi, who was reportedly based in Lusaka, Zambia, and was relying on him to facilitate the property transaction.

According to court records cited by *The Herald*, the two allegedly entered into the arrangement on April 22, 2026, when Masawi transferred US$121,500 into Chirochangu’s American bank account specifically for the house purchase.

However, the intended transaction allegedly never materialised, with the State accusing Chirochangu of failing to fulfil the agreement or account for the funds.

The court heard that when the agreed deadline passed, Chirochangu allegedly became evasive and stopped responding to calls on his cellphone.

Chirochangu was arrested on October 13 after Masawi reportedly received information that he had been spotted at a restaurant in Harare’s central business district.

An informant allegedly identified the suspect following his arrest.

The full US$121,500 remains unaccounted for, according to the State, with none of the money reportedly recovered.

Chirochangu appeared before Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, charged with theft of trust property.

The allegations are before the courts, and the accused’s guilt has not been established.

Clarify the arrest and informant detailsStrengthen the opening with the key allegation