Crime and Courts
Judges Rule Against AmarisSA in Bitter Harare Real Estate Dispute
The High Court has ruled in favour of businessman and lawyer Tawanda Nyambirai’s firm, TN Baker (Pvt) Ltd, in a heated property dispute, ordering AmarisSA (Pvt) Ltd to vacate a contested section of prime real estate in central Harare.
Justices Faith Mushure and Joseph Chilimbe overturned a magistrates’ court decision, confirming that TN Baker holds a valid lease for 17 Samora Machel Avenue and that AmarisSA had unlawfully encroached on part of the property.
“The appeal is allowed with costs,” wrote Justice Mushure in the ruling.
“The application for eviction is granted. The respondent and all those claiming through it must vacate the property immediately.”
The judgment brings to an end a protracted feud between the two companies over retail space and a delivery access area within the property.
TN Baker argued it was paying rent for 711 square metres but only occupying 668 square metres, with AmarisSA’s subtenants using part of its leased premises. AmarisSA, however, denied any encroachment and claimed there were “material disputes of fact,” further insisting TN Baker had no legal standing to sue.
The judges dismissed that defence, citing an uncontested expert surveyor’s report confirming the encroachment.
“This was a classic case of bare allegations of a possible factual dispute,” Justice Mushure said. “A leaseholder has a clear right under their agreement to occupy the property and to seek eviction of illegal occupants.”
The court directed that if AmarisSA does not vacate voluntarily, the Messenger of Court must enforce the eviction without delay.
The conflict stems from a tangled leasing history involving TN Baker, its affiliates, and property owner Glicknett Investments. AmarisSA relinquished its rights to the premises in 2016, acknowledging that TN companies would thereafter deal directly with Glicknett. TN Baker went on to secure a direct lease, valid until October 2026.
Tensions resurfaced in 2024 when TN Baker accused AmarisSA of encroachment. Although the magistrates’ court initially dismissed the application, the High Court ruling has now cleared the way for eviction.
TN Baker was represented by Beatrice Mtetwa & Tawanda Nyambirai Legal Practitioners, while AmarisSA was represented by James Majatame Attorneys.
ALSO READ : Harare Businessman Nabbed at Airport Over US$580K Property Scam
Crime and Courts
Magaya’s Heart Stadium, Hotel Go Under the Hammer
By Everisto Zhuwao
The auction of Heart Stadium and its adjoining hotel, properties linked to Walter Magaya, is set for Friday, 27 February 2026, at Raylton Sports Club. Registration of bidders will commence at 8 a.m., with the auction expected to start at 10 a.m.
The sale follows a writ of execution issued by the High Court of Zimbabwe after creditors moved to recover outstanding debts. Court proceedings paved the way for the attachment of the stadium and hotel, which form part of property associated with Prophet Magaya and Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries. The properties are being auctioned in line with legal processes aimed at settling the obligations.
Heart Stadium, located in the Prospect area of Waterfalls, was developed as part of an ambitious sports and hospitality project spearheaded by PHD Ministries. The facility, which includes a football pitch built to modern standards and a hotel complex, was at one time presented as a contribution to the development of local sporting infrastructure. The stadium has hosted football matches and church gatherings, becoming a notable landmark within the area.
The impending auction marks a significant development in the ongoing financial and legal challenges facing the ministry’s business ventures. Creditors have sought legal recourse after efforts to recover funds reportedly failed, resulting in the court-sanctioned sale of the immovable property.
The development has drawn public interest given the prominence of the facilities and their association with one of the country’s most recognisable religious figures. Observers say the outcome of the auction could determine the future of the stadium and hotel, while also bringing closure to the debt recovery process initiated through the courts.
Crime and Courts
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe to Remain in Custody Until March
Two men, Chatunga Mugabe and Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze, appeared before the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court facing serious allegations that have drawn public attention.
The charges laid against them include attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to proceedings in court, the firearm allegedly linked to the case has not yet been recovered, a development that has added another layer of complexity to the matter.
The court heard initial submissions as the accused stood in the dock, listening quietly while the charges were read out.
The magistrate ordered that both men remain in custody until 3 March, when they are expected to make a formal bail application.
Until then, investigations are ongoing as authorities continue searching for the missing firearm and gathering further evidence.
The case has sparked widespread discussion, with many awaiting the next court appearance to see how the matter unfolds.
Crime and Courts
Chinhoyi University Supervisor Wanted Over US$17K Fraud Case
A supervisor at Chinhoyi University of Technology is on the run after allegedly defrauding the university’s Medicinal Feed Factory of about US$17,000.
The suspect, Jairos Makasa, who is based in Chitungwiza, is accused of using an outdated receipt book to carry out the fraud.
Earlier reports had wrongly identified the fugitive as farm manager Mafaro Zengeni. However, investigations have since confirmed that Zengeni is not involved in the case. He remains at work and has not been charged.
Authorities established that Makasa falsely implicated Zengeni in a report he submitted to university management, creating confusion about who was responsible for the offence.
According to the report, Makasa allegedly admitted to defrauding the institution during sales of beef fattening feed, using receipt numbers ranging from 233130 to 233187.
Confirming the incident, Gifford Chikuya, Acting Director of Communications, Marketing and Public Relations at the university, said the suspect is still at large.
“It is true that a fraud case occurred, and the person responsible, Makasa, is currently on the run,” he said.
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