68 year old Serial Fraudster in Court

A 68 year old suspected serial fraudster from Murewa appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing money laundering charges. Peter Rupiya allegedly defrauded complainants of US$109,000, using it for personal expenses. He is already in custody for a separate fraud case and was denied bail yesterday by magistrate Jessie Kufa.

The state alleges Rupiya sold State land to prospective home owners between August 2022 and July 2024, claiming he owned a piece of land at Bromley Farm in Goromonzi. He collected US$109,400 from Stanford Chabaya, Kudzai Macqurors Chimuka, and Brian Chisvo. Rupiya allegedly used the money to build houses in Gazimbi and Mahaja villages.

He sold two houses for US$22,000 and one for US$27,000. Detectives added the money laundering charge after discovering Rupiya was already on remand for fraud.

Detectives investigating Rupiya’s activities received a tip- off on 13 January 2026 whilst he was remanded already at Harare Remand Prison on other fraud charges.

Acting on the information the detectives arrested him for money laundering.

Rupiya will remain in custody until 21 January pending a bail ruling.