Former Cabinet Minister Dzingai Mutumbuka’s Chisipite mansion has become the center of a legal storm, casting a shadow of grief over Court 14 on Monday afternoon.
Family members sobbed in agony amid a funeral-like atmosphere when six suspects—including Prosper Bizwork—were denied bail. They are accused of manipulating the unlawful sale of the valuable property and fabricating title deeds.
This time, in relation to a different matter involving the forgery of documentation for property number 589 Rietfontein Township Lot 5 in Borrowdale, Harare, Bizwork (48) and five other individuals requested bail. They allegedly sold the property for US$92,000, much less than its US$400,000 market value.
When the case’s magistrate, Donald Ndirowei, announced his bail decision, the uninvited family members there let out loud wails.
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Magistrate Ndirowei highlighted in his decision how strong the State’s case was against each of the six defendants. He pointed out that the suspects were unable to refute the strong evidence that Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZAAC) investigation officer Eric Chacha had provided. This proof consisted of money receipts, sales agreements, and falsified identity documents.
In relation to Bizwork, who is also facing a comparable case that is now pending, the magistrate voiced worries regarding the possibility of flight or additional criminal action if bail was granted. Cabinet Minister Dzingai
Judge Ndirowei emphasised the careful balancing he did between the defendants’ constitutionally guaranteed right to liberty and the purposes of justice.
Attorneys Enock Nengomasha of Zuze and Chambers, Mushayi M. Makoni of Mandizha and Company, and Eric Simbarashe of Absolom and Shephard Chambers represented the accused in court.