Online Reporter
Fidelis Munyoro
Chief Court Reporter
KILLARNEY Plaza Pvt Ltd, trading as Ochi Safari Lodge, has filed a lawsuit against Borrowdale Valley Estates and its director, Munyaradzi Majoni, seeking damages exceeding US$1,5 million for a fire that allegedly caused extensive destruction to its business operations in August 2021.
The summons, filed in the High Court, accuses the defendants of negligence, claiming their employees started a fire that spread to Ochi Safari Lodge, destroying equipment and infrastructure, and forcing the business to halt operations.
According to court documents, Ochi Safari is demanding US$289 201 for lost equipment, US$956 467,52 for loss of income, and US$264 670,53 for rebuilding costs.
The total claim of US$1 510 345,05 includes these amounts, compounded by 5 percent annual interest from the date of the fire, and legal costs.
The plaintiff’s declaration states that the defendants initially acknowledged responsibility for the fire and agreed to replace the destroyed property and rebuild the damaged infrastructure.
However, Ochi Safari alleges that progress stalled after the defendants began reconstruction but abandoned the site in May 2025.
“To date, all materials supplied have only managed to rebuild the structure up to ring beam level,” the declaration reads.
“Ninety-nine percent of the lost equipment has not been replaced.”
Ochi Safari claims repeated attempts to engage the defendants have been ignored, despite written demands and meetings held to resolve the matter.
“The defendants have failed to fulfil their obligations, leaving us with no choice but to seek full compensation through legal channels,” the plaintiff stated in the filing.
The lawsuit details the extensive list of items lost in the fire, ranging from refrigerators, tents, and diesel generators to casino equipment, office furniture, and salon appliances.
Ochi Safari also attributes significant revenue losses to the forced shutdown of its operations, estimating the total loss of income at nearly US$1 million over the past four years.
The lawsuit also alleges that the Borrowdale Valley Estates and Majoni’s failure to replace equipment and infrastructure has caused ongoing financial strain, leaving the plaintiff unable to resume normal business operations.
The plaintiff is represented by Mr Brian Kashangura of Mabundu and Ndlovu Law Chambers. The High Court is expected to set a hearing date in the coming weeks.
