Former RBZ governor Gideon Gono yesterday struggled to provide evidence against a Harare couple accused of grabbing his company, telling the court he tends to forget other events due to his age.
Clark Makoni and his wife Beverly Ndonda Makoni are facing fraud charges amounting to over US$100,000 after they allegedly grabbed his Valley Lodge in Manicaland, having forged documents.They are appearing before Magistrate Stanford Mambanje.
They are represented by Admire Rubaya.
Rubaya argued that there is no strong case, suggesting the charges are baseless and politically motivated.
Rubaya argued that Gono is not the rightful owner of Valley Lodge, the company at the center of the dispute.
He said Gono’s reliability as a witness is questionable, citing his inability to recall key dates and details due to age.
Gono admitted under oath that he could not remember when the alleged agreement with the accused took place, stating only that it was sometime in 2017.
It was the defense’s argument that Gono has not completed the financial obligations required to claim ownership, undermining his legal standing in the matter.
Rubaya argued that the accused were managing Valley Lodge with Gono’s knowledge and consent, submitting profits to him as part of a mutual understanding.
“This arrangement was never formalized in a way that would support criminal charges,” Rubaya argued.
The defense pointed out that Gono failed to present any audio, video, or written evidence—such as WhatsApp messages—that could substantiate his allegations.
Gono also admitted he was not present at the meeting in Mutare where key decisions were allegedly made, making his testimony on those events inadmissible.
“Court records confirmed that the directorship of Valley Lodge remains unchanged, with the original owners, the Omars, still listed as directors,” the defense submitted, with Gono confirming the position.
The defense also highlighted that Gono could not name any witnesses to the alleged negotiations and had previously indicated a willingness to withdraw the charges, suggesting personal motives rather than legal merit.
Gono, whilst on the stand, read the document signed by him which identified Clark Makoni as the managing director of Valley Lodge operations, and Beverly as the financial director.
“The case is an attempt by Gono to extort money from the couple, leveraging his political connections,” Rubaya submitted.
The State alleges that the couple forged a CR14 form to appoint themselves as directors and accessed company funds. The defense maintains that no credible evidence has been presented to support these claims.
The alleged financial prejudice of ZW$137,736,500 remains unsubstantiated.
As the trial continues, the defense has successfully shifted the spotlight onto the inconsistencies in Gono’s testimony and the lack of concrete evidence, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of the charges.
The matter was postponed to July 11 for trial continuation.-
Info News
Mortgage Refinance Guide: When Does Refinancing Make Sense?
Mortgage refinancing means replacing your current home loan with a new one. Homeowners refinance for several reasons, including lowering the interest rate, reducing monthly payments, changing loan terms, removing mortgage insurance, or using home equity through a cash-out refinance.
Refinancing can be a smart financial move, but it is not always the right choice. The biggest question is whether the savings outweigh the cost. Refinance loans often include closing costs, lender fees, appraisal fees, title fees, and other expenses. Even if the new loan has a lower monthly payment, it may take months or years to break even.
One common reason to refinance is to lower the interest rate. A lower rate can reduce your monthly payment and save money over the life of the loan. However, the amount you save depends on your current balance, remaining loan term, new rate, and closing costs.
Another reason is to shorten the loan term. For example, changing from a 30-year mortgage to a 15-year mortgage may help you pay off the home faster and reduce total interest. The monthly payment may increase, but long-term savings can be significant.
Some homeowners refinance to switch from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate mortgage. A fixed-rate loan offers predictable payments, which can be helpful for budgeting.
A cash-out refinance allows homeowners to borrow more than they owe and receive the difference in cash. This money may be used for home improvements, debt consolidation, or major expenses. However, it increases the loan balance and uses your home as collateral, so it should be considered carefully.
Before refinancing, calculate your break-even point. Divide the total closing costs by your monthly savings. For example, if refinancing costs $4,000 and saves $200 per month, it would take 20 months to break even. If you plan to move before then, refinancing may not be worth it.
Credit score, debt-to-income ratio, home value, and income all affect refinance approval and pricing. Improving your credit and paying down debt before applying may help you qualify for better terms.
Compare offers from multiple lenders. Look at the annual percentage rate, closing costs, monthly payment, loan term, and whether the rate is fixed or adjustable.
Refinancing can be useful when it supports your financial goals, but it should not be done only because a lower payment looks attractive. Always review the total cost, long-term impact, and risks before signing.
What Compensation Can You Recover With a Truck Accident Attorney?
Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to substantial compensation due to the severity of injuries typically involved. A truck collision attorney helps clients recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. In severe cases, victims may also receive compensation for long-term disability or loss of earning capacity.
In addition to economic damages, attorneys may pursue punitive damages if negligence or reckless behavior is involved. This can include cases of drunk driving, safety violations, or company misconduct. By working with an experienced lawyer, victims can ensure that every aspect of their losses is considered in the claim.
