Zimbabwe Retiree In UK Loses $100K To Daughter In Property Scam
A retired teacher’s dream of owning a peaceful home in Zimbabwe turned into a legal nightmare after he was allegedly defrauded of over US$100,000 (approximately R1.86 million) by his own daughter and son-in-law. The pair now face sentencing after a dramatic fall-out that has shaken both family ties and public trust.
Retirement dreams derailed by betrayal
Felix Kobeti Magomo, a retired educator living in the United Kingdom, had long planned to return to Zimbabwe and settle down in his hometown of Kwekwe. With travel impossible during the COVID-19 lockdowns, Felix entrusted his daughter, Unity Marengu (37), and her husband, Nelson Farai Marengu (42), with his life savings. They were to purchase and develop a residential stand on his behalf.
“I was stuck in the UK due to COVID-19,” Felix said in a statement to 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 (around R1.86 million) to Unity. The couple acquired Stand Number 7082 in Hillandale, Kwekwe. The house was built, photos were shared, and updates were sent—everything appeared to be progressing smoothly.
But behind the scenes, something else was unfolding.
“They put the property in their own names,” Felix explained.
“I didn’t know. I found out when I returned to Zimbabwe.”
A trust betrayed, a promise broken
When Felix came back to Zimbabwe in late 2021, he asked for the agreement of sale so he could process the deed of transfer. Unity handed him an envelope. What was inside shocked him.
“It was the deed of transfer,” he said, “But it was registered in their names—not mine.”
Soon after, communication broke down.
“They started dodging me,” Felix recounted. “I called, I visited—they made themselves unavailable.”
In April 2022, after months of tension, a compromise was reached. The property would be registered under a newly formed entity—the “Felix Kobeti Magomo Trust.” Unity and other family members signed the trust agreement. Both accused were expected to donate the property to the trust as a gesture of reconciliation.
But that gesture was short-lived.
“They sent an email through their lawyer,” Felix said.
“They no longer wanted to donate the property. Just like that.”
Left with no choice, Felix returned to Zimbabwe again in September 2022 and reported the matter to the police. An investigation followed, and Unity and Nelson were arrested.
Court battle ahead as public reacts
According to a news bulletin issued by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe on 30 May 2025:
“A couple from Kwekwe was arraigned at the Kwekwe Magistrate’s Court on a charge of fraud and was referred to the High Court for sentencing whilst in custody… The total prejudice is US$102,874.00.”
The couple appeared in court and were remanded in custody. The case now heads to the High Court, where sentencing awaits.
Meanwhile, members of the Zimbabwean diaspora have expressed concern, as many rely on relatives back home to manage investments.
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The post Diaspora Nightmare: Buying Property From The UK Turns Sour As Retiree Defrauded Of US$100K By Own Daughter & Son-In-Law appeared first on iHarare News.
