adminSherzadee Mkwamba
The love of money is indeed the root of all evil and can leave an irreparable dent on a relationship. This was the case in the Gold Class Elite Academy ownership saga, with business partners at each other’s throats. Collen Mashiri of House Number 3806, Hobhouse 3, Mutare, approached Mutare Civil Court praying for a protection order against his co-partner, Tatenda Charity Nyazungu of House Number 10, Alexandra, whom he accused of disturbing progress at Gold Class Academy which is his workplace.
Mashiri who was being represented by Mr Cosmas Chibaya of Chibaya and Partners Legal Practitioners denied being one of the academy’s directors and ever being in a partnership with Nyazungu. He claimed that he was just an ordinary teacher at the college. He went on to tell the court that he once borrowed $2 500 from Nyazungu and later reimbursed her the money in the sum of $3 750 two years ago.
He claimed that when Nyazungu continued disturbing him at his workplace and place of residence, Mashiri gave her another $3 750 at Mutare Central Police Station in the presence of the police and some teachers from his workplace, with the hope that the respondent would stop troubling him. The court heard that on July 22 at around 7.55am, Nyazungu went to Number 38, Jameson Street, Mutare when students were writing their examinations and started walking up and down, shouting on top of her voice that the complainant was owing her money.
She demanded to be employed as a teacher. Because of the disturbances caused by Nyazungu, students in forms one to four were moved to ‘A’ Level blocks at Number 11A, Tembwe Street to continue with their examinations. Mashiri is reported to have rushed to seek the intervention of his legal practitioner, leaving Nyazungu there. Upon his return, he said he found Nyazungu who was in the company of other two men searching all files and books in the reception area without permission.
Nyazungu who was being represented by Mr Passmore Nyakureba of Maunga, Maanda & Associates Legal Practitioners told the court that Mashiri was lying that he was a mere employee at Gold Class Academy, but a co-partner.
A deed of partnership between the two was produced in court as proof.
Nyazungu went on to say that the Mashiri never borrowed money from her, but she had invested $4 500 and a further $3 750 into the business for repairs and renovations of the premises. Nyazungu admitted visiting the premises and set on a chair as a partner. She said no one ever ordered her to leave the premises.
She denied ever causing any disturbances at the college, but said Mashiri had ordered students to move to the other premises without giving any proper explanation.
She denied ever demanding to be employed at the academy as she was not a qualified teacher. Nyazungu claimed that Mashiri was also misappropriating partnership funds and preventing her from accessing partnership books of accounts. She also claimed that Mashiri had also personalised everything.
Nyazungu also told the court that Mashiri had fabricated a story against her in a bid to elbow her out of the partnership agreement and business.
The case was adjourned to September 15. Mrs Yeukai Chigodora presided over the case.
Online Reporter