Woman ducks cross-examination in disputed Rhodes Estate case

A Harare woman who claims to be the executor of the estate of the late Brian James and Elizabeth Rhodes - individuals she alleges were relatives of British imperialist Cecil John Rhodes – abruptly halted her testimony during a theft of trust property trial on Tuesday, citing a medical condition.

Elizabeth Parirenyatwa was testifying in a case she brought against Adam Wood and Brian Murphy, whom she accuses of unlawfully taking control of Karoi Properties, a company she claims forms part of the Rhodes estate. However, after completing her main testimony before Harare magistrate Jacqueline Gara, Parirenyatwa failed to return for cross-examination after the lunch break, claiming that her sugar levels had dropped and she was unwell.

Her sudden exit was met with skepticism from the defence, who accused her of attempting to dodge tough questions from the accused’s lawyers. The lawyers argued that the information Parirenyatwa had supplied to the court was contradicted by certified documents from the Registrar of Companies, which validated the accused’s positions and actions.

Magistrate Gara postponed the matter to May 20.

Investigations and genealogical records presented in the case have found no documented family link between Cecil John Rhodes and the deceased Brian James Rhodes, undermining Parirenyatwa’s claim of familial ties to the historical figure.

In earlier testimony, an official from the Master of the High Court revealed that multiple complaints had been received from the children of the late Brian James Rhodes. The complaints specifically challenged Parirenyatwa’s appointment as executor of their father's estate, citing concerns about her conduct and mental state.

One of the defence lawyers claimed Parirenyatwa was "mentally unstable and a criminal," echoing the family's insistence that she be removed from her role in managing the estate.

Two State witnesses from the Deeds Office also took the stand and confirmed that there had been no wrongdoing by the accused. They testified that neither Murphy nor Wood had submitted any documents in their personal capacities and that no misconduct was recorded in the administration of Karoi Properties.

Additionally, the court heard that there was no evidence submitted to the Master of the High Court linking Brian James Rhodes to share ownership in Karoi Properties. Instead, High Court rulings indicated that the shares belonged to the Phoenix Trust. This was further supported by a court order recognizing Murphy and Wood as the legitimate directors of the company, which was duly acknowledged by the Registrar of Companies.

It was also confirmed in court that Brian James Rhodes had passed away on July 29, 2006, and that his wife, Elizabeth Anne Rhodes, subsequently registered the estate under DRI 426/1. Parirenyatwa was reportedly appointed executor dative following a power of attorney granted to her by Anne Rhodes.

Parirenyatwa claims that Wood and Murphy conspired to appoint themselves as directors of Karoi Properties by falsely claiming that Rhodes had resigned from the company on April 30, 2012-six years after his death.

The case continues to unfold amid growing questions about the legitimacy of Parirenyatwa’s role and her controversial claims surrounding the estate and its alleged historical connections.