Harare, Pokugara Properties bosses acquitted

Philemon Jambaya

Harare City and Pokugara Properties bosses were acquitted on Thursday.

The bosses Zvenyika Chawatama, Samuel Nyabeze and Pokugara representative Marlone Ndebele and former general manager Michael Van Blerk were facing allegations of ordering the destruction of a show house in Borrowdale that was built with a fraudulently obtained building plan.

Harare regional magistrate Florence Chakanyuka said there was no wrong doing at the close of the State's case.

She said there is no evidence led in court on who approved the plan.

“There is no evidence to show the plan went through all the City of Harare departments before it could be approved,” Chakanyuka said in acquitting the accused persons.

Chakanyuka also acquitted the City bosses of an alternative charge of criminal abuse of office saying no evidence led to show any fraud and criminal liability on the part of Pokugara and its representatives.

Only two witnesses testified in this matter, Katsimberis and Nyabvure.

Katsimberis had built the showhouse in a joint venture agreement with Pokugara Properties but the building was condemned after it was discovered that the plan was fraudulently obtained and the material used were not recommended or approved by Council under the Regional Town and Country Planning Act.