Warrant issued after businessman misses judgment in ZWL$29m property case

Southerton Business Times
Mar 2
2 min read

HARARE — A warrant of arrest has been issued for local businessman Tendai Jemwa after he failed to appear in court for judgment in a ZWL$29 million property dispute involving his brother‑in‑law, the court record shows. Regional Magistrate Francis Mapfumo issued the warrant after Jemwa did not attend proceedings in a case in which he is accused of unlawfully sidelining his business partner, Thomas Masango.

Allegations and case background

The State, represented by prosecutor Ephraim Zinyandu, says Masango and Jemwa agreed that Masango would hold a 50 percent share in Ten Jem Consultancy Pvt Ltd, a company formed to manage the jointly acquired Spitzkop property. A verbal agreement reportedly governed the partnership.

Masango alleges that in 2012 Jemwa secretly obtained the property’s transfer documents from their lawyer without Masango’s consent and transferred the entire property into the company’s name, effectively excluding Masango from ownership. Masango further claims he was unlawfully ousted from the property as far back as 2007, triggering a long‑running legal dispute over his claimed stake.

At the heart of the prosecution’s case is the allegation that Jemwa reneged on the verbal partnership agreement and wrongfully transferred full ownership to Ten Jem Consultancy, contrary to the parties’ understanding.

Court action

The matter was scheduled for judgment when Jemwa failed to attend court, prompting Magistrate Mapfumo to issue the arrest warrant. Authorities say further proceedings will follow once Jemwa is brought before the court.

If arrested and produced, Jemwa will face the court for the outstanding judgment and any related contempt or enforcement proceedings. The case may also prompt further inquiries into the transfer process and the conduct of any legal advisers involved in the property transaction.

Legal and practical implications

Verbal agreements: The dispute highlights risks associated with informal or unwritten partnership arrangements, especially in property transactions.
Title transfers: Allegations that transfer documents were obtained and used without a co‑owner’s consent raise potential civil and criminal issues, including fraud and unlawful dispossession.
Remedies: If the court finds in Masango’s favour, remedies could include reversal of the transfer, damages, or other equitable relief; enforcement may require police assistance if the accused resists court orders.