Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
A Harare couple, Clark Clever Makoni and Beverly Aisha Ndonda Makoni, both estate agents, should be put to their defence in a case where they are accused of defrauding Dr Gideon Gono’s company, Galwex Investments, of ZWL$137 million, a magistrate’s court
has ruled.
This follows the dismissal of their application for discharge at the close of the State’s case.
Presiding magistrate Stanford Mambanje ruled that the pair has a case to answer. The couple’s defence case is set to commence on October 10.
During the trial, prosecutor Ms Heather Muokoto led evidence from several witnesses accusing the couple of committing fraud.
Dr Gono, a key witness, testified that a meeting was held on January 18, 2024, at Clark’s request.
The meeting, which lasted two hours, involved lawyers from both sides. Dr Gono said during the discussions, Clark admitted to the wrongdoing and pledged to return Valley Lodge to him.
Furthermore, the Makonis offered to pay US$50 000 as a goodwill gesture after extensive negotiations.
Despite Clark’s apparent willingness to resolve the matter, his wife, Beverly, allegedly refused to sign the deed of settlement, effectively stalling the agreement.
Ms Muokoto also presented evidence from Ms Fadzai Chiro, a former accountant at Valley Lodge who was employed by the couple.
She testified that both Clark and Beverly were actively involved in the company’s operations, with Clark acting as the director and Beverly as the finance director.
She further revealed that both were listed on the company’s monthly salary schedule, which she had prepared.
Mr Tonderai Karumbidza, the ZB Bank Mutare branch manager, told the court he had personally signed the forms enabling Clark and Beverly to become signatories for Valley Lodge’s account.
He further explained that he regularly interacted with the accused in their roles as directors, as they frequently visited the bank to conduct transactions on behalf of the company.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) investigating officer, Mr Eric Chacha, presented damning evidence against the accused.
His investigation revealed that Clark had filed multiple legal cases in an attempt to legitimise his fraudulent claims.
For instance, Clark lodged an unlawful entry case against George Mashonganyika and Lindiwe Sabeka, employees of Galwex, at Mutare Police Station, using a falsified CR14 document.
Additionally, he sought a spoliation order at the Mutare High Court under case HC 1181/2023, claiming to be the rightful owner and occupier of Valley Lodge.
According to the State, the Makonis allegedly fraudulently altered the ownership of Valley Lodge, a property belonging to Galwex Investments, by registering it in their names.
Furthermore, the couple is accused of unlawfully becoming signatories to the Valley Lodge bank account, which enabled them to withdraw millions of dollars without authorisation.
