Belvedere, Harare – Lawyer and politician Douglas Mwonzora is grappling with legal and financial challenges after his law firm, Mwonzora and Associates, had its office equipment seized over unpaid rent.
The firm reportedly owes US$3,750 in rent arrears covering the period from July to September 2024.
The landlord, Simon Denhere, initiated legal proceedings on September 19, issuing a summons for the overdue payments.
Acting swiftly, Denhere secured a court order through an ex parte application at the Harare Civil Court, allowing the seizure of property without Mwonzora’s prior knowledge or presence in court.
Last week, the Messenger of Court enforced the order, confiscating several items from the law firm’s premises at 44 Eastcourt Road, Belvedere. The seized assets included furniture, computers, printers, chairs, and a generator.
The action was carried out under Section 34 of the Magistrates Court Act, designed to prevent tenants from absconding without paying their debts.
In addition to the rent arrears, Denhere is seeking the eviction of Mwonzora’s firm and demanding US$1,250 in holding-over damages. Mwonzora will need to pay this amount to recover his confiscated property.
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In response, Mwonzora has filed an urgent chamber application challenging the legality of the landlord’s ex parte approach.
He claims the Messenger of Court improperly seized sensitive case files belonging to his clients, which he argues are unrelated to the rental dispute and critical to his legal practice. He has requested the court to overturn the order, citing the disruptive impact on his operations and clients.
The court is set to hear Mwonzora’s application tomorrow.
The decision could determine whether he will be able to recover the seized property and continue operating from the current premises or face eviction.
This development adds to the growing pressures on Mwonzora, who has been involved in several controversies in recent years.
With the possibility of losing both his office space and essential equipment, the politician-lawyer faces an uphill battle to sustain his legal practice and protect his reputation.
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