A Harare businessman was intercepted at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport this week while allegedly trying to flee the country to avoid prosecution in a US$580,000 property fraud case.
The accused, 52-year-old Elijah Meskano, appeared before magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa facing fraud charges and was released on US$200 bail. Meskano, a director of Duravault (Pvt) Ltd, denies the allegations.
The complainant, Maria Mafunga of Glen Lorne—also a director at Deluxe International School in Ruwa—claims she legally acquired a portion of stand 829 in February 2017 from Brighton Ushendibaba. Her stand, measuring 2,916 square metres, was later developed into a luxurious three-storey home worth US$580,000.
Prosecutors said Mafunga followed all due processes, including paying for permits and approvals during the five-year construction period.
However, in August 2025, Meskano allegedly tampered with ownership records, transferring the property’s registration from Ross Farm, the original titleholder, to himself and his wife.
The scheme reportedly came to light in September when Mafunga received council bills listing Meskano and his wife as the property’s new owners.
Acting on intelligence that he intended to abscond, police arrested Meskano at the airport on September 24 before his departure.
The case is being handled by prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti.
ALSO READ : Mnangagwa’s Politburo Reshuffle Declared Unconstitutional – Top Lawyer
