Woman attempts to fraudulently sell hubby's house

A 32-year-old Gweru woman has been sentenced to three years in prison after she was convicted of attempting to fraudulently sell a house belonging to her husband who is working in South Africa.

Monalisa Matewa (32), a prominent businesswoman residing at number 17 Stedman, Athlone, Gweru, pleaded guilty to fraud when she appeared before Gweru magistrate, Mrs Florence Nago.

Twelve months of Matewa's sentence were suspended for three years on condition of good behaviour.

The other 24 months were suspended on condition that she performs 840 hours of community service at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce offices in Gweru.

Matewa is the director of Waldeck Investments situated along 3rd Street in Gweru.

For the State, Mr Bernard Nyoni told the court that sometime in May 2009, Matewa's husband, Mr John Dube, went to South Africa where he is employed and left his house, number 6132, Gweya Street, South View, Gweru, in her custody.

The court heard that in 2011, Matewa hatched a plan to sell the South View house without the knowledge of Mr Dube. Mr Nyoni said Matewa then went to Central Estates, Gweru, where she misrepresented herself as the owner of the house, which she intended to sell.

The court heard that Matewa proceeded to process an agreement of sale upon which she forged Mr Dube's signature.

Mr Dube, however, got information to the effect that his house was on sale prompting him to come back from his work in South Africa to inquire.

Mr Nyoni said Mr Dube then visited Central Estates and found that his house was indeed on sale.

He reported the matter to the police leading to Matewa's arrest.

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