'Mujuru liabilities exceed $21m'

THE late General Solomon Mujuru's estate may be exposed to liabilities in excess of $21 million being creditors of the now under liquidation Limpopo Mining Resources Limited, preliminary investigations have established.

Creditors for LMR, formerly River Ranch Diamond Mine, include Rani Investments which is owed $21 million while seven other companies are owed thousands of United States dollars.

Preliminary investigations conducted by the executor of the estate, Stern Mufara also revealed that Gen Mujuru had four properties registered in his name.

These are Stand Number 810 Land Park, Marondera measuring 2,240 square metres, held under deed of transfer 6763/91, two pieces of land Number 95 and 96 Hogerty Hill township measuring two hectares and stand number 449 Bindura Township measuring 1,5 ha.

"We're in the process of investigating other properties which may be registered through various city councils, which properties may not reflect in the office of the Registrar of Deeds," said Mufara.

"We're also searching for companies that own some of the properties that are listed on the inventory as the deceased's property."

Mufara said during his life time, Gen Mujuru managed his businesses through a company called Kalmic Investments.

He said all rentals collected from Gen Mujuru's properties were paid to the company.

"It has come to our attention that Kalmic is no longer managing the assets," said Mufara. "The company called Ruzirani Investments (Pvt) Ltd is now collecting rentals.

"It started managing the property after the death of Gen Mujuru."

Mufara said he was now in the process of establishing who controls Ruzirani, but it is believed one of the late Mujuru's daughters Kumbirai is one of the directors.

As the administration of the late national hero's estate gathers momentum, Mufara has scheduled a meeting next week with lawyer Thekor Kewada who used to act for Gen Mujuru. Kewada is expected to furnish the executor with documents relevant to the administration of the estate.

But former Vice President, Joice Mujuru's lawyer Addington Chinake denied that he was in possession of documents necessary for the winding up of the estate in a letter to the executor last week.

"We refute the suggestion that Kantor and Immerman may have in its possession any of the documents you have requested," said Chinake.

"We suggest that in future you separate client matters from the firm."

He said he had since forwarded the executor's letter to former VP Mujuru for consideration.

Gen Mujuru, who died in an inferno at his Ruzambo Farm, Beatrice in August 2011, is reported to have left multinational investments in mining, real estate, agriculture and tourism.

His interests included River Ranch Diamond Mine, Zimbabwe Mining and Smelting Company, Marange Diamonds, Trojan Nickel Mine, Kalmic Investments and Ruzirani Properties.

He also held stakes in hotels and lodges in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique among many other investments.

The executor is still to meet with beneficiaries of the estate who are listed in the Deed of Trust which Kewada filed with the Master of High Court office.

The Deed listed only 12 children and former VP Mujuru as the beneficiaries. However, the Deed is dated June 22, 2003.

There is a possibility that there may be more children and beneficiaries in view of reports that the national hero could have sired 90 children with different women.