Estate War Turns Ugly: Widow Arrested for Car Theft as Five Women Battle Over Late Zanu PF MP’s Multi-Million Dollar Fortune
The bitter legal battle over the estate of late Zanu-PF Insiza North MP Farai Taruvinga has taken a dramatic turn, with one of his alleged widows now facing criminal charges in a case that has exposed shocking allegations of fraud, theft, and deception in the scramble for his vast fortune.
Widow Granted Bail in Vehicle Theft Case
Nontokozo Moyo, who claims to be the late MP’s customary wife, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Joseph Mabeza on Wednesday, June 19, 2025, charged with unlawfully possessing a vehicle allegedly belonging to Taruvinga’s estate.
“The accused is granted bail of US$150 (R2,800) and ordered to surrender her travel documents,” said magistrate Mabeza. “She must not interfere with witnesses and must reside at her given address until her next court appearance on July 2.”
State prosecutor Siphiwe Mhlanga did not oppose bail but emphasized the seriousness of the charges. The vehicle in question is reportedly registered under the name of one of Taruvinga’s former employees, complicating Moyo’s claim to ownership.
This arrest comes amid an escalating court battle between four women—Amanda Falala, Diana Makina, Nontokozo Moyo, and Nokukhanya Sibanda—all claiming to be customary wives of the late politician, who passed away on March 31, 2025, after a battle with cancer.
Executor Appointment Sparks Legal Firestorm
The dispute centers on Falala’s appointment as the estate’s executor by the Master of the High Court. In court documents, Moyo accuses Falala of fraudulently excluding her from the inheritance process.
“Falala deliberately concealed my existence when registering the estate on April 7, 2025, just days after his death,” Moyo stated in her affidavit. “She listed only herself and Makina as surviving spouses, knowing full well that I was also married to him under customary law in December 2024.”
Moyo is now seeking a High Court order to nullify Falala’s appointment, arguing that the process was tainted by deception.
Falala, however, has dismissed Moyo’s claims, insisting she was merely a hired caregiver.
“Moyo was a nurse aid employed to assist my husband during his illness,” Falala countered. “Her sudden claim to being a wife is outrageous and baseless.”
Inside the Late MP’s Lavish Estate
Taruvinga’s estate is estimated to be worth millions, comprising:
Properties:
-
A luxury Hillside home in Bulawayo
-
Residential stands in Matsheumhlope and Filabusi
-
A rural homestead in Skuta
-
Commercial properties, including two nightclubs
Vehicles & Assets:
-
A Bentley Continental GT
-
Two Toyota Land Cruiser V8s
-
12 other high-end vehicles
-
A motorbike
-
32 herd of cattle
-
A fully operational mine in Filabusi
-
A modern abattoir
Legal experts say the estate’s complexity—with multiple spouses, children, and high-value assets—could lead to years of litigation.
Wallet Theft Allegations & Property Disputes
In a separate court filing, Moyo accuses Falala of forcibly taking Taruvinga’s wallet, which allegedly contained US$1,800 (R33,000), and locking her out of the Hillside property.
“Falala and her associates stormed the house, took his belongings, and barred me from entering,” Moyo claimed. “I demand the return of his wallet and my rightful access to the home.”
Falala denies these allegations, stating that Moyo was only a temporary resident.
What Happens Next?
The Bulawayo High Court is expected to rule soon on:
-
The validity of Falala’s executorship
-
Moyo’s application for property access
-
The broader question of who qualifies as a legitimate spouse
With criminal charges now added to the mix, this estate battle has evolved from a civil dispute into a full-blown legal war—one that could drag on for years as the late MP’s fortune hangs in the balance.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post Widow Arrested In Dramatic Fight Over Late ZANU PF MP Farai Taruvinga’s Multi-Million Dollar Estate appeared first on iHarare News.
