Court case against Chiyangwa withdrawn

Odar Housing Development Consortium (OHDC) has withdrawn a civil case against businessman Dr Phillip Chiyangwa and a number of Government offices following a $42,5 million deal hammered out recently with the property mogul.

In the case, the then Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Dr Ignatius Chombo, was cited as the first respondent while Sensene Investments (Private) Limited owned by Dr Chiyangwa, the Minister of Lands and Rural Resettlement, the Registrar of Deeds and Attorney General Prince Machaya were cited as the second, third, fourth and fifth respondents respectively.

"Take notice that the applicant (OHDC) hereby withdraws its court application against the respondents in this matter with no order as to costs," reads part of the notice of withdrawal dated September 14. Dr Chiyangwa and OHDC recently struck the deal, putting to rest the long-drawn dispute that saw over 50 suspected rogue land barons being arrested.

The money will be paid over seven years. OHDC chairman Mr Benny Tangai Matenga signed the deed of settlement on behalf of the consortium while Dr Chiyangwa represented Sensene Investments, a subsidiary of Pinnacle Property Holdings. Both parties then agreed to withdraw criminal and civil cases before the courts.

Beneficiaries will be granted title deeds upon paying a minimal deposit, with the remainder covered with a bond.