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Fidelis Munyoro and Moleen Machingura
The Lands and Rural Resettlement Ministry has stopped the sale of former deputy minister and Mhondoro-Ngezi legislator Mr Bright Matonga’s property to raise US$45 000 awarded to his ex-wife Ms Anne Elizabeth Matonga (nee Pout) as a divorce settlement.The ministry filed an application at the High Court arguing that agricultural equipment belonging to the State had been attached and
was due to be sold.
The auction was set for May 10 at Mr Matonga’s Nyadzonia Farm in Chegutu.
The property for auction included tractors, a planter, a combine harvester, 40 cattle, 20 goats, a truck, and assorted machinery.
But Lands Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora filed a motion at the High Court seeking to stay the auction until the ministry files interpleader proceedings.
Interpleader is an action brought by a third party negatively affected by court proceedings involving two other parties.
Acting deputy director (valuations and estates) in the Lands Ministry, Mr Alec Chilonga, deposed an affidavit on Dr Mombeshora’s behalf and took it court under a certificate of urgency.
“The purposes of this application is … to seek the intervention of this court for the proposed sale in execution to be stayed pending the institution and conclusion of interpleader proceedings, which applicant intends to file not later than close of business on Thursday 15 May 2014,” said Mr Chilongo.
The custody of the farm equipment, Mr Chilongo said, was given to Mr Matonga who was granted the right to occupy Nyadzonia Farm.
Mr Matonga and his ex-wife parted ways eight years ago after he allegedly moved in with another woman.
Online Reporter