No Bail for Epworth Councilor in Land Fraud Case

Munyradzi Mashiri

Zim Now Court Correspondent

Epworth Ward 6 Councilor, Nobody Makoni, 52, has been denied bail in the Harare Magistrates' Courts, where he is facing charges of criminal abuse of office. The court, presided over by magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, ruled that the state’s objections to granting bail were justified given the circumstances.

In her ruling, Gofa emphasized that, as a public official, Makoni posed a significant risk of deceiving others in a similar manner if released. She further noted the likelihood of him absconding from court proceedings.

The case involves Proud Chimhau as the victim. According to the State, represented by prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti, the incident dates back to 2022 when Chimhau was allocated residential stand number 21059 in Overspill by the Epworth Local Board and subsequently developed it.

In January 2024, Chimhau sold the stand to Monica Chibvura for US$4,500 and handed over all the necessary paperwork. When Chibvura approached the Epworth Local Board to change ownership, she was advised to wait for the due process to be completed.

During this period, Makoni allegedly informed Chibvura that the stand was subject to a double allocation. Chibvura relayed this information to Chimhau, who then engaged Makoni. Makoni is accused of demanding and receiving US$450 from Chimhau, supposedly to resolve the issue.

However, Chimhau later sought clarification from the Epworth Local Board, which confirmed that there had been no double allocation and no outstanding arrears on his stand.

This revelation led Chimhau to file a police report, resulting in Makoni’s arrest on September 25, 2024.