Mufundisi weAFM Osungirwa kuVhara US$200Kwell-known Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) Church reverend and his wife have appeared in court facing allegations of defrauding a local private school operator of nearly US$200,000 in a botched rent-to-buy property deal.
I
Titus Murefu (59) and his wife, Winnet, were arraigned before Harare regional magistrate Clever Tsikwa and remanded out of custody to July 22.The complainant is the chief executive and owner of Destiny Achievers School, located at Plot 15 Glen Forest in Harare.
According to the State, the dispute dates back to 2020 when the complainant was informed by an employee that Lot 12 Glen Forest could accommodate the school’s expansion needs. Upon making inquiries, she was allegedly misled by the Murefus, who falsely claimed ownership of the property.
Relying on this misrepresentation, the complainant agreed to occupy the premises at a monthly rental of US$1,500. She moved in and operated the school there from January to December 2021.
In January 2022, the Murefus allegedly told the complainant they intended to sell the property. A verbal rent-to-buy agreement was then made, with monthly payments increased to US$2,000. By January 2023, the accused further raised the rent to US$3,950, which the complainant paid consistently until September 2023.
However, when she insisted on formalising the rent-to-buy arrangement in writing, the couple reportedly became evasive. Suspecting foul play, the complainant investigated and later discovered that the property did not belong to the MurefusShe subsequently filed a police report, leading to their arrest.
The case has sparke
d outrage in religious and education circles, given Murefu’s standing in the church and the magnitude of the alleged fraud.
Info News
Consumer Fraud Class Action: Holding Companies Accountable
A consumer fraud class action may arise when a company misleads customers through false advertising, hidden fees, unfair billing, fake discounts, or deceptive business practices.
These cases can involve banks, phone companies, subscription services, car dealers, insurance companies, online retailers, and financial products.
A consumer may lose a small amount, but when thousands of people are affected, the total harm can be large.
Class actions help consumers combine claims and challenge companies that may otherwise avoid accountability.
Possible results may include refunds, account credits, debt cancellation, fee changes, or policy updates.
Consumers should keep contracts, receipts, screenshots, emails, bills, and customer service records.
If many people experienced the same issue, a class action lawyer may investigate whether the company violated consumer protection laws.
The Global Water Crisis and the Importance of Clean Water Access
Access to clean and safe drinking water is one of the most essential human needs, yet millions of people worldwide still lack reliable water sources. Population growth, climate change, pollution, and poor infrastructure are contributing to a growing global water crisis affecting communities across Africa, Asia, and other regions.
Clean water is essential for health, agriculture, sanitation, and economic development. Contaminated water sources can spread dangerous diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. Children are especially vulnerable to waterborne illnesses, making access to safe drinking water a major public health priority.
Climate change is worsening water shortages in many areas through droughts, changing rainfall patterns, and rising temperatures. Agricultural industries, which rely heavily on water for irrigation, face increasing challenges in maintaining food production during dry conditions. Urban populations are also placing pressure on water infrastructure as cities continue expanding rapidly.
Governments and humanitarian organizations are working to improve water access through infrastructure development, purification technologies, and conservation initiatives. Desalination systems, rainwater harvesting, and advanced filtration technologies are helping provide clean water in water-scarce regions.
Experts emphasize that sustainable water management is essential for future global stability. Public education, environmental conservation, and investment in water infrastructure will play major roles in addressing the growing water crisis and protecting future generations.
