By HRH Princess Eugene Majuru, Princess of Harare
Kwekwe, Zimbabwe (News of The South) – A heart-wrenching case has emerged from Kwekwe, where a UK-based retired educator, Felix Kobeti Magomo, has allegedly been defrauded of over US$100,000 (approximately R1.86 million) by his own daughter, Unity Marengu (37), and son-in-law, Nelson Farai Marengu (42). The couple now faces sentencing in the High Court, a stark reminder of the risks faced by diaspora citizens investing in their home countries through family.
Mr. Magomo, who had diligently saved for his retirement in Zimbabwe, found his plans irrevocably damaged by a profound betrayal of trust. Unable to travel during the stringent COVID-19 lockdowns between 2019 and 2021, he entrusted his life savings to Unity and Nelson to purchase and develop a residential stand in Kwekwe.
“I was stuck in the UK due to COVID-19,” Felix stated to the police. “I had complete faith in my daughter and son-in-law to handle the property.”
Between 2019 and 2021, Felix transferred a total of US$102,874.00 to Unity. The couple acquired Stand Number 7082 in Hillandale, Kwekwe. Photos of the house under construction were shared, and regular updates were provided, creating a facade of legitimate progress.
However, the truth unravelled upon Felix’s return to Zimbabwe in late 2021. “They put the property in their own names,” Felix explained. “I didn’t know. I found out when I returned to Zimbabwe.”
When Felix requested the agreement of sale to process the deed of transfer, Unity presented him with an envelope containing the deed – shockingly, it was registered in their names, not his. Communication subsequently broke down, with the couple reportedly evading Felix’s calls and visits.
In April 2022, a fragile compromise was reached: the property would be registered under a newly formed “Felix Kobeti Magomo Trust.” Unity and other family members signed the trust agreement, and the accused were expected to donate the property to the trust as a gesture of reconciliation. This gesture, however, was short-lived. “They sent an email through their lawyer,” Felix recounted. “They no longer wanted to donate the property. Just like that.”
Left with no recourse, Felix reported the matter to the police in September 2022, leading to the arrest of Unity and Nelson. According to a news bulletin issued by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe on May 30, 2025, the couple was arraigned at the Kwekwe Magistrate’s Court on fraud charges and has been referred to the High Court for sentencing while in custody. The total prejudice stands at US$102,874.00.
A Cautionary Tale for the Diaspora: Don’t Let Family Ties Override Due Diligence
This deeply distressing case serves as a grave warning to Zimbabwean diaspora members who often rely on relatives to manage investments back home. While the desire to invest in one’s homeland and uplift family is commendable, it exposes individuals to significant risks if proper legal and financial safeguards are not in place.
Members of the Zimbabwean diaspora frequently send remittances and invest in property with the hope of building a future or securing a retirement haven. However, the emotional connection to family can sometimes blind individuals to the necessity of treating such transactions with the same rigor as any other business deal.
Advice for Diaspora-Based Citizens Investing in Their Home Country:
1. Treat it as a Business Transaction, Always:
Even when dealing with the closest family members, it is crucial to approach property investments as a formal business transaction. Sentimentality, while natural, should not override due diligence and legal safeguards.
2. Engage Independent Legal Counsel:
Do not rely on family members to handle legal aspects. Hire an independent, reputable lawyer or conveyancer in Zimbabwe who specializes in property law. This professional should:
* Conduct thorough due diligence: Verify the property’s title deed at the Deeds Registry Office to ensure legitimate ownership and check for any encumbrances, disputes, or double sales.
* Draft and review all contracts: Ensure that all agreements of sale clearly state the rightful owner (you), payment terms, timelines, and clauses for penalties or refunds.
* Oversee the registration process: Ensure the property is registered in your name or the name of a legally constituted entity (like a trust) that you control.
3. Do Not Transfer Funds Without Clear Documentation:
Every payment made must be accompanied by a formal, written agreement signed by all parties involved, detailing what the funds are for and what they guarantee. Avoid informal cash transfers or undocumented payments. Use reputable and traceable remittance channels.
4. Consider a Formal Trust or Corporate Entity:
Instead of putting the property in an individual’s name (even a family member’s), explore setting up a formal trust or a private company to hold the property.
* Family Trust: A trust can be structured to clearly define beneficiaries and how assets are managed. However, ensure the trust deed explicitly grants you ultimate control as the founder/settlor and specifies independent trustees (not solely the family members who are managing the purchase).
* Company: A private company can be established where you hold the majority shares, thereby controlling the property through the company’s legal framework. This provides a clear separation of ownership.
5. Appoint a Power of Attorney (POA) with Specific Limitations:
If you cannot be physically present, appoint a trusted individual (not necessarily a family member, or at least a highly trustworthy and legally astute one) with a limited Power of Attorney. This POA should only grant them authority for specific, clearly defined tasks related to the property transaction, such as signing documents on your behalf, and not broad authority that could be abused.
6. Verify Progress Independently:
If construction or development is involved, arrange for independent inspections and progress reports from a quantity surveyor or building contractor, separate from your family members. Request photographic and video evidence with timestamps.
7. Understand Local Regulations and Tax Implications:
Familiarize yourself with Zimbabwe’s property laws, foreign ownership regulations, and tax implications for property acquisition and potential rental income. A local lawyer can provide this crucial information.
8. Maintain Copies of All Documentation:
Keep meticulous records of all communications, financial transfers, agreements, and legal documents. These will be vital if a dispute arises.
The case of Felix Kobeti Magomo is a stark reminder that while family bonds are invaluable, financial dealings, especially significant investments like property, require robust legal frameworks and independent oversight. The dream of returning home should not turn into a financial nightmare.
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