An arrest warrant has been issued for Gideon Gono, the former governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), after he failed to appear at the Harare Magistrates Courts on Monday for a fraud case related to the ownership of Valley Lodge. This case, which dates back to 2017, involves Gono’s allegations against local business owners Beverly Aisha Makoni and Clark Makoni, whom he accuses of fraudulently altering the directorship of the lodge.
The proceedings began last week, with Gono expected to provide testimony, but his absence led to the issuance of the warrant. Prosecutor Sithembiso Moyo noted that the delays in the case were partly due to an incomplete docket that the prosecution has been awaiting since last year.
The Makonis are currently facing charges regarding the illegal ownership of Valley Lodge. They maintain that Gono’s actions are motivated by their business dealings and alleged ties to influential political figures. In their defense, they describe the allegations as “malicious, frivolous, and vexatious,” claiming that law enforcement is colluding with Gono to unjustly facilitate their arrest.
Gono’s representative, George Mashonganyika, received the arrest warrant on Gono’s behalf but has not provided further information regarding Gono’s absence or plans to address the charges.
This legal battle underscores the complexities of ownership disputes in Zimbabwe’s business environment, particularly when intertwined with political influences. As the case develops, both the prosecution and defense will likely face scrutiny over their next moves in this high-profile situation.
In other news – RwandAir Suspends Service on Harare-Cape Town Route
Zimbabweans have lost one of their few direct flight options to Cape Town as RwandAir announces the suspension of all flights on this route. This decision is a significant blow to travelers seeking direct connections between Harare and the South African city, especially given the already limited choices available.
Currently, the only remaining option for direct flights from Harare to Cape Town is Airlink, a South African regional airline. Read More
