News / National
Ex-RBZ chief Gono to testify In fraud case
26 May 2025 at 08:36hrs | Views
Former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Gideon Gono is set to appear in court on June 13 as a key witness in a fraud case involving a Harare couple, Clark and Beverly Makoni. The couple stands accused of a fraudulent takeover of Gono's company, allegedly involving the sum of ZW$172 million.
Clark and Beverly Makoni have denied the allegations, describing them as malicious. They maintain that only Gono can clarify the true facts of the matter.
Prosecutor Heather Muokoto has indicated that Gono's testimony, alongside that of investigating officer Eric Chacha, will mark the close of the State's case. The defence has expressed readiness for Gono's appearance, acknowledging him as the star witness.
The allegations center on claims that the couple forged company documents, with Clark purportedly appointing himself as director and company secretary, and Beverly as his deputy. The State alleges that they misrepresented themselves to the bank as the new shareholders of Valley Lodge and sought to change signatories to the company's bank accounts. This was allegedly part of a scheme to fraudulently take over the company and gain access to its bank accounts, resulting in the theft of approximately ZW$137.7 million.
Last Friday, the State called another witness, Fadzai Chiro, a former accountant at Valley Lodge in Mutare. Chiro testified that she was unaware of the allegations until she was called to give a statement.
She denied that Clark and Beverly Makoni managed the lodge as estate agents and said she had never met Beverly in person prior to court, having only interacted with her by phone.
"I was the accountant responsible for preparing salary schedules and only knew Clark as the person who interviewed me for the job," Chiro said.
She added that salary schedules remained consistent during her tenure and that employees recalled the lodge being owned by a white man before. All salary preparations were done under instructions from her manager, Elizabeth Tachiona.
Chiro also described the lodge's financial operations, explaining that money was collected at the front office and then taken to the accounts office. The lodge, which had about 17 rooms, offered accommodation, restaurant services, and hosted events.
The case continues as the court awaits Gono's testimony, a critical moment expected to shape the outcome of the proceedings.
Clark and Beverly Makoni have denied the allegations, describing them as malicious. They maintain that only Gono can clarify the true facts of the matter.
Prosecutor Heather Muokoto has indicated that Gono's testimony, alongside that of investigating officer Eric Chacha, will mark the close of the State's case. The defence has expressed readiness for Gono's appearance, acknowledging him as the star witness.
The allegations center on claims that the couple forged company documents, with Clark purportedly appointing himself as director and company secretary, and Beverly as his deputy. The State alleges that they misrepresented themselves to the bank as the new shareholders of Valley Lodge and sought to change signatories to the company's bank accounts. This was allegedly part of a scheme to fraudulently take over the company and gain access to its bank accounts, resulting in the theft of approximately ZW$137.7 million.
Last Friday, the State called another witness, Fadzai Chiro, a former accountant at Valley Lodge in Mutare. Chiro testified that she was unaware of the allegations until she was called to give a statement.
"I was the accountant responsible for preparing salary schedules and only knew Clark as the person who interviewed me for the job," Chiro said.
She added that salary schedules remained consistent during her tenure and that employees recalled the lodge being owned by a white man before. All salary preparations were done under instructions from her manager, Elizabeth Tachiona.
Chiro also described the lodge's financial operations, explaining that money was collected at the front office and then taken to the accounts office. The lodge, which had about 17 rooms, offered accommodation, restaurant services, and hosted events.
The case continues as the court awaits Gono's testimony, a critical moment expected to shape the outcome of the proceedings.
Source - H-Metro
