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Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
Harare regional magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa yesterday denied bail to Ward 6 councillor for Epworth Nobody Makoni
who allegedly used his position to defraud an unsuspecting land seeker.
Makoni (52) is charged with criminal abuse of office as a public officer. In her ruling, she said the State’s reasons for objecting
bail carry weight under the circumstances.
Mrs Gofa said that as a public officer, there was a high likelihood that Makoni would deceive more people and had the
propensity of absconding court if granted bail.
The victim is Proud Chimhau. Prosecutor Mr Lancelot Mutsokoti, alleges that sometime in 2022, Chimhau was allocated a
residential stand number 21059 in Overspill by Epworth Local Board and developed the stand.
In January 2024, Chimhau then sold the stand to one Monica Chibvura for US$4 500, and gave her all the relevant papers.
Chibvura approached the Epworth Local Board for change of ownership and they were advised to patiently wait for the due
process of change of ownership to take place.
While waiting, Makoni allegedly approached Chibvura saying the residential stand she had bought was on double allocation.
Chibvura then advised Chimhau of the issue. It is alleged that Makoni then approached Chimhau and demanded US$450
which was paid in full.
The court heard Chimhau later approached the Epworth Local Board for clarification on the issues of his stand and it was
established that there was no double allocation and his stand had no arrears.
Resultantly he then went to the police to file a report, leading to Makoni’s arrest on September 25.
Meanwhile, City of Harare principal contracts administrator Artkins Mandaza was also granted US$500 bail by the same
magistrate.
He is facing charges of criminal abuse of duty alongside suspended Harare town clerk Hosiah Chisango for awarding a lucrative
street lighting tender to Juluka Enndo Joint Venture, a company in which Moses Mpofu, currently in custody, holds a majority
stake.
This decision contravened a previous ruling that disqualified Juluka Enndo for failing to meet bid requirements.
Chisango was the first one to be granted bail by the High Court last month.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter