The Fiscal Police in Blantyre have arrested two estate agents identified as Boyd Tchongwe,40, and McDonald Phiri,59, for fraud following a complaint from Saqib Ahmad whom they sold plots that do not exist in the city.
According to Police findings,between March 2022 and January 2023, Mr. Ahmad, a businessman at Limbe, wanted to buy plots from Blantyre City Council in Chigumula and Mpingwe locations.
He then approached Phiri who introduced him to Boyd Tchongwe as an official from Blantyre City Council.
Tchongwe presented documents purported to be from Blantyre City Council as proof that the council was indeed selling the stated plots.
Ahmad was convinced with the documentation tendered by the two Estate agents to the extent that he paid for 4 plots in Chigumula and 2 in Mpingwe at Mk16.5 million.
The amount was paid in two installments; MK4 million through Tchongwe’s bank account which is in the name of Blantyre City Investments and Mk12.5Million in cash.
When the reporter went to the Council for confirmation of land purchase, he was surprised to be told that the plots in questions did not exist and the documents were fake.
Fiscal Police in Blantyre managed to arrest the two estate agents in question and charged them with three counts: Fraud, Uttering False Documents and Impersonating a Public Officer.
Boyd Tchongwe has been found with Blantyre City Council’s stamps, documents bearing the council’s logo, fresh application forms, confidential documents from the city like plot maps, letters of plot transfers among others.
Police advise people to be careful and always verify with relevant authorities before making any payment when purchasing land or other items to avoid being duped.
