Harare lawyer Concellia Maheya was convicted of theft of trust property involving US$30,000 after selling a residential stand in Bluffhill using forged title deeds. Although she offered her own house as compensation, the court found she lacked legal authority to do so, leading to her being remanded in custody pending sentencing.
What led to the conviction of Concellia Maheya?
The case against Concellia Maheya, formerly of Maseko Law Chambers, began in October 2021 when a home seeker, Mercy Kabvara, sought to purchase Stand 2308, Bluffhill Township in Harare. Maheya acted as the legal representative for the purported owner, Zvatinowona Tsitsi Kujeke, and facilitated an agreement of sale for US$30,000. Kabvara paid the full amount in cash, intended to be held in trust, plus an additional $500 for conveyancing fees.
How was the fraud discovered?
Suspicion arose when Maheya failed to produce the title deeds following the transaction. Kabvara eventually visited the Deeds Office to verify the documents herself. Officials confirmed that the deed provided by Maheya was a forgery and that the property had actually been sold to another individual, Collen Kapende, back in June 2018. The Deeds Office subsequently seized the forged documents for destruction.
What are the key dates in the legal proceedings?
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October 29, 2021: The fraudulent agreement of sale was signed and funds were transferred.
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December 3, 2022: Kabvara confronted Maheya, who offered her personal house in Hatfield as compensation.
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February 23, 2023: Maheya signed an official acknowledgement of debt for the US$30,000.
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27 March 2026: Harare Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki convicted Maheya after a full trial, remanding her in custody for sentencing.
Why was the compensation offer rejected?
While Maheya offered her property at Lot 327 Block B, Hatfield Estate to settle the debt, the investigation revealed she had no legal right to transfer it. The property was under the administration of the Master of the High Court. Under Section 120 of the Administration of Estates Act [Chapter 6:01], Maheya required legal consent from the Master to sell or offer the property, which she did not possess at the time of the offer.
Sequence of Events
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Property Listing: Estate agent Templeton P Chadyiwa refers the buyer to the Bluffhill stand.
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The Transaction: Maheya claims to represent the owner and accepts US$30,500 in cash.
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Verification: The Deeds Office flags the documents as forged.
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Failed Restitution: Maheya attempts to offer an unauthorized property as repayment.
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Conviction: The State, led by prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawo, proves the theft of trust property.
