Prophet Freddy Takes Land Dispute to High Court After Criminal Case Collapses

Prophet Tapiwa Freddy has taken his land dispute with Craft Properties to the High Court after criminal charges collapsed (image source)

Cleric Prophet Tapiwa Freddy has escalated his long-running land dispute with Craft Properties (Pvt) Ltd to the High Court following the collapse of criminal charges he had initiated against the company and its founder, Kudakwashe Taruberekera. The dispute centres on a 4 000-square-metre stand, Plot No. 7510 Subdivision 5, Mandalay of Sabonabona Farm in Kadoma, which Freddy claims was lawfully donated to him but later unlawfully revoked and transferred.

Earlier this year, Freddy reported the matter to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc), accusing Taruberekera and Craft Properties of corruption linked to the revocation of the donation. Zacc arrested Taruberekera, and the case first appeared before the Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court on February 7, 2025. Initially framed as fraud, the charge was later amended to theft. The matter was postponed multiple times and eventually transferred to the Kadoma Magistrates’ Court, where it appeared between March and July. Freddy attended court only once, when he sought a postponement.

On July 17, the State withdrew the case before plea, conceding that it lacked sufficient evidence and acknowledging that the revocation of a deed of donation does not, in itself, amount to a criminal offence. Taruberekera said the withdrawal vindicated both him and his company. “Finally, the State withdrew the case against me and Craft Properties after failing to gather any evidence,” he said. “This matter dragged both my name and that of my company through the mud.”

Despite the collapse of the criminal case, Freddy has now turned to the High Court (Civil Division), filing a declaration on December 5, 2025, seeking a declaratory order on ownership of the disputed land. He alleges that the property was fraudulently transferred after the donation and that all subsequent transfers to various defendants were effected without his knowledge or consent. Freddy argues that these transfers were “predicated on an initial fraudulent act” and that he remains the lawful owner by virtue of a valid deed of donation.

Invoking Section 14 of the High Court Act [Chapter 7:06], Freddy is asking the court to declare him the lawful owner of the property, affirm the validity of the deed of donation executed on or about November 19, 2019, and nullify all transfers registered after November 22, 2019. He contends that the revocation was unlawful and that any subsequent conveyances are therefore null and void.

Craft Properties has rejected the claims, maintaining that the donation was lawfully revoked after Freddy allegedly failed to meet development conditions attached to the land. Taruberekera said Freddy was fully informed of the revocation and questioned his decision to approach Zacc rather than pursue civil remedies from the outset. The case has also renewed debate about Zacc’s mandate, particularly after it emerged that Freddy’s statement was recorded at his church in Glen View while other parties were summoned to Zacc offices in Chinhoyi.

With the High Court having referred the matter to trial on November 26, 2025, the dispute is now set to be determined through evidence-led proceedings. The outcome is expected to clarify the legal boundaries between criminal prosecution and civil litigation, as well as the principles governing land donations and their revocation under Zimbabwean law.