Zim Now Writer
A Chinese mining company has launched legal proceedings against prominent Harare lawyer Wilson Manase and his clients over an alleged breach of a chrome mining agreement, adding to the lawyer's mounting legal troubles.
Martensite Investments (Pvt) Limited filed an urgent court application at the Norton Magistrates Court on April 28, 2025, seeking an interdict against Manase, of Manase & Manase Legal Practitioners, and his clients Tsitsi and Dorothy Masawi.
The dispute centers on a chrome extraction agreement at Abercon Farm in the mineral-rich Darwendale area.
According to court papers, the Chinese firm alleges it paid a US$40,000 deposit as stipulated in the agreement drafted by Manase, with an arrangement for subsequent monthly instalments of US$15,000 over four months.
However, despite fulfilling the initial payment requirement, the company claims it was denied access to commence mining operations the following day.
The case adds to Zimbabwe's growing list of chrome mining disputes, particularly in the Great Dyke region, where conflicts between Chinese mining companies and local entities have become increasingly common.
The Darwendale area, known for its vast chrome deposits, has previously been the scene of significant mining disputes, including protracted legal battles over mining claims.
Martensite Investments, represented by Mashizha, Mutukwa and Sambo Attorneys, argues that the agreement was drafted without genuine intent for execution but rather to fraudulently obtain funds from the company.
The matter is set for hearing on May 21, 2025.
The case has attracted significant attention as it involves Manase, who is currently under investigation by the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) for other professional conduct matters.
The lawyer is already facing serious fraud charges involving US$3 million, where he is alleged to have forged court documents, including a fake will, divorce order, and death certificate.
Additionally, the LSZ has recently demanded that Manase explain his failure to finalize the execution of a 22-year-old estate, where he is accused of selling and renting out properties without consulting the beneficiaries.
Under Zimbabwe's Legal Practitioners Act [Chapter 27:07], legal practitioners are bound by strict professional conduct requirements and ethical standards. The Act establishes a Disciplinary Tribunal to handle cases of unprofessional conduct, with powers to impose sanctions including suspension from practice.
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