Crime and Courts

Court Rules Pastor Feigned Illiteracy to Evade Debt Repayment

Published

5 months ago

October 8, 2025

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A retired clergyman who attempted to avoid repaying a US$22,750 debt by claiming to be illiterate has lost his appeal at the High Court, which ordered him to settle the amount and ruled that his Budiriro property can be sold to recover the money.

Justices Happias Zhou and Benjamin Chikowero found that Pastor Stefan Pios Mumbiro had knowingly signed all loan and mortgage papers that legally bound him to businessman Collins Farai Muchada. The court said Mumbiro later tried to use false claims of illiteracy to escape his obligations.

“The respondent was not illiterate. He completed Grade 7, could read and write, and even pursued pastoral training,” the judges stated. “He cannot hide behind a claim of ignorance to avoid accountability for documents he willingly signed.”

The bench criticised Mumbiro for exploiting Muchada’s trust while later pretending to have been deceived. Evidence presented in court showed that Mumbiro voluntarily signed an acknowledgment of debt, a power of attorney for a mortgage bond, and other related papers, all verified by a handwriting expert.

Justice Chikowero noted that the evidence presented by Muchada, supported by forensic document analysis, was credible and consistent. Mumbiro’s defence, however, collapsed during cross-examination when he admitted signing blank papers, which the judges viewed as a deliberate attempt to mislead the court.

Citing the legal doctrine caveat subscriptor — meaning a person is bound by their signature — the court reminded parties that one cannot disown a document simply because they did not read or understand it.

Justice Chikowero further criticised the lower court for accepting Mumbiro’s inconsistent claims about the borrowed amount, effectively allowing him “to eat his cake and have it too.”

Consequently, the High Court ordered Mumbiro to pay US$22,750 plus interest and legal costs, and declared his Budiriro home, Stand 2308 of Willowvale Estate, specially executable should he default.

The judges also warned others against attempting similar deceitful tactics. “The message is clear — if you breach a contract, be prepared to face the consequences when the other party seeks legal enforcement,” they said.

Mumbiro had earlier accused Muchada of trying to defraud him of his house, but the court found no evidence to support that allegation.

Originally, the Harare Magistrates’ Court had ruled in Mumbiro’s favour after he convinced the magistrate that he was illiterate and had been tricked. However, the High Court overturned that judgment, finding that Mumbiro had manipulated the court’s sympathy and used his position as a retired pastor to dodge his lawful duties.

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Crime and Courts

Magaya’s Heart Stadium, Hotel Go Under the Hammer

Published

20 hours ago

February 25, 2026

Editor

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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

Published

3 days ago

February 23, 2026

Editor

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

Published

3 days ago

February 23, 2026

Editor

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.