A Harare-based construction company owned by a local couple is facing serious fraud charges after allegedly failing to complete a $930,000 construction project for Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga’s wife, Miniyothabo Francisca Baloyi Chiwenga. The case was brought before the Harare Magistrates’ Court yesterday, with the company, Gray Homes Construction, represented by its owners, Gray and Annavestah Mudiwa.
The couple appeared before Magistrate Donald Ndirowei and the matter was remanded for a bail application hearing scheduled for today.
The charges stem from a contract between Gray Homes Construction and Miniyothabo Chiwenga, a colonel in the Zimbabwe National Army, to build a double-storey house, a cottage, and a perimeter wall. Prosecutor Tafara Chirambira alleged that the couple misled Chiwenga into believing they could complete the project within 90 days. After receiving an initial payment of $560,000, the couple allegedly diverted funds for personal use, leaving the project unfinished and causing a financial loss of $389,100 to Chiwenga.
In a separate charge, the couple is accused of fraudulently securing another contract to build a warehouse at Chivaraidze Farm in Goromonzi. Prosecutors allege that the couple falsely claimed they had the capacity to complete the project, despite knowing otherwise.
The case highlights concerns over fraudulent practices in the construction industry, with the court proceedings closely watched as they unfold.
