Epworth Councilor in Court for Abuse of Office

Munyaradzi Mashiri

Zim Now Court Correspondent

The Councilor for Ward 6 in Epworth, Nobody Makoni, aged 52, has appeared in court facing charges of criminal abuse of office. Makoni, who resides in Overspill, Epworth, was brought before magistrate Dennis Mangosi at the Harare Magistrates' Courts on allegations of misconduct in his capacity as a public officer.

The case was brought forward by Proud Chimhau, a 26-year-old self-employed man residing at house number 21059, Overspill, Epworth, Harare. According to court documents, Chimhau is the informant in the case.

Makoni is scheduled to appear in court again on September 30 for his bail application. Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi presented the State's case, alleging that the issue began in 2022 when Chimhau was allocated a residential stand—number 21059 in Overspill—by the Epworth Local Board, which he then developed.

In January 2024, Chimhau sold the stand to Monica Chibvura for US$4,500, providing her with all the necessary documents for the property. Chibvura subsequently approached the Epworth Local Board to initiate the process of changing ownership. They were instructed to wait for the completion of the formal transfer procedure.

However, during this waiting period, Makoni allegedly approached Chibvura, claiming that the stand she had purchased was subject to a double allocation. Chibvura then informed Chimhau of the situation.

It is further alleged that Makoni approached Chimhau directly and demanded a payment of US$450 to resolve the matter. Chimhau complied and paid the full amount.

Suspicious of the claim, Chimhau later visited the Epworth Local Board to seek clarification on the double allocation issue. It was revealed that there was no double allocation and that his stand was free of arrears.

Following this discovery, Chimhau filed a report with the police, leading to Makoni's subsequent arrest.