Arrest Warrant Out For Former RBZ Governor Gideon Gono For Dodging Court

An arrest warrant was issued for the former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor, Gideon Gono, after failing to appear at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts on Monday. The case centres around allegations of fraud linked to the ownership of a property known as Valley Lodge.

The legal dispute dates back to 2017 and involves Gono’s accusations against two local business owners, Beverly Aisha Makoni and Clark Makoni. Gono alleges that the Makonis unlawfully altered the directorship of Valley Lodge, a property he claims still belongs to him. The court had anticipated Gono’s presence to provide testimony last week, but his failure to attend led to the issuance of an arrest warrant.

Details of the Fraud Case

The prosecution, represented by Sithembiso Moyo, has attributed the delay to an incomplete docket that has been pending since the previous year. Gono’s absence has sparked widespread interest, especially given the case’s high-profile nature, which has attracted significant public attention.

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Gideon Gono arrest warrant — An arrest warrant out for Gideon Gono-Image Source@X

Beverly Aisha Makoni and Clark Makoni, a business duo, are accused of illicitly taking control of Valley Lodge. In response to these charges, the Makonis have defended themselves by claiming that Gono targets them due to their business interactions and alleged connections with prominent political figures.

The Defense’s Position

According to the Makonis, the allegations against them are part of a vendetta fueled by personal and business disputes. They argue that Gono’s accusations are malicious and allege that law enforcement authorities are cooperating with Gono to have them arrested without credible evidence to support the claims.

The defence insists that the legal pursuit is a deliberate attempt to undermine their reputation and gain leverage in the business arena. They argue that their dealings with Valley Lodge were legitimate and dispute any wrongdoing in the property’s ownership.

Gono’s Representative Addresses the Warrant

Gono’s legal representative, George Mashonganyika, was in court to accept the warrant issued in Gono’s absence. However, Mashonganyika has not clarified the reason for Gono’s failure to appear or what actions the former governor plans to take in light of the charges.

Whether Gono will seek to challenge the warrant or face the fraud accusations in court remains unclear.

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