The State has officially withdrawn charges against Beverly Aisha Ndonda Makoni and her husband, Clark Clever Makoni, who were accused of illegally transferring ownership of Valley Lodge. This property is claimed by former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor Gideon Gono. The dismissal of the charges was announced by Harare Magistrate Sharon Rakafa, who noted the case’s repeated appearances in court.
Prosecutor Sithembiso Moyo informed the court that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the case, leading to the decision to drop the charges. Magistrate Rakafa emphasized that a person cannot be tried twice for the same offense, especially since related allegations are currently under trial in another court.
The couple had initially accused Gono of leveraging his political influence to wrongfully assert ownership of Valley Lodge. In a statement, they described the allegations as “malicious, frivolous, and vexatious,” claiming that Gono was colluding with individuals in law enforcement and other government-linked institutions to orchestrate their arrest without any solid evidence.
The legal drama surrounding the case has intensified, particularly after a warrant for Gono’s arrest was issued last month due to his failure to appear in court. As the situation unfolds, the Makonis’ assertion of being unfairly targeted raises significant questions about the intersection of politics and law in Zimbabwe, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding the legal system’s integrity. The withdrawal of charges marks a notable development in a complex legal landscape, with the couple now focusing on clearing their names amidst the allegations.
In other news – Musician Greatman Tongai Gwaze advocates for disability rights in Harare
Greatman Tongai Gwaze, a Harare-based musician, has taken a significant step toward advancing disability rights by filing a formal complaint against the City of Harare (CoH) for allegedly neglecting the needs of people with mobility disabilities. Through his lawyer, Moses Nkomo of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), Gwaze has issued a two-week ultimatum for the city to ensure equal access to public and private amenities.
Gwaze’s complaint highlights a critical issue: many public and private spaces, including shopping malls, restaurants, and police stations, lack the necessary universal design features that facilitate accessibility for individuals with physical impairments. Read More
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