Harare, Zimbabwe | Miniyothabo Francisca Baloyi-Chiwenga, the wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, has taken legal action against a Harare business couple, accusing them of defrauding her of nearly US$1 million.
According to media reports, Gray and Annavester Mudiwa, owners of Gray Homes, are accused of abandoning three construction projects—a home, warehouse, and shopping mall in Filabusi—despite being paid for the work.
The Mudiwas are facing three counts of fraud and appeared before Magistrate Donald Ndirowei to challenge their remand placement.
Prosecutor Tinashe Chirambira alleges that in March 2023, the couple misled Baloyi-Chiwenga by falsely promising to build a double-storey house, cottage, and boundary wall within 90 days, but failed to deliver.
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The case raises concerns about fraudulent business practices and highlights the importance of accountability.
“They misrepresented their capacity and falsely claimed they could complete the project in 90 days,” said Chirambira.
“This excited the complainant, leading her to dispatch US$560,000 to the accused persons.
“After receiving the funds, the accused diverted them to their own use, and did not complete the project, resulting in the complainant suffering a loss of US$389,100.”
Chirambira also alleges that in June 2023, the Mudiwas deceived Baloyi-Chiwenga by claiming they could construct a warehouse at Chivaraidze Farm in Goromonzi, despite lacking the resources and expertise to do so. This misrepresentation contributed further to the fraud charges, as they accepted payment for a project they were not capable of completing.
“Based on their misrepresentation, the complainant gave the accused US$550,000.
“After receiving the funds, the accused failed to complete the project and misappropriated US$390,000 for their own use. The project was not completed as promised.
“As a result of their actions, the complainant suffered a financial loss of US$390,000, with nothing recovered so far,” said Chirambira.
The third count involves an alleged incident in September 2023, where the couple convinced Baloyi-Chiwenga that they could build a shopping mall at Silalatshani Business Centre in Filabusi. They were given US$158,000, but allegedly diverted the funds for personal use.
“As a result of the accused’s actions, the complainant suffered a total financial loss of US$151,000, with no recovery to date.”
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