News / National
Ex-Zanu-PF youth leader denied bail
09 Sep 2025 at 19:36hrs | Views
A Harare magistrate has denied bail to former Zanu-PF youth leader Jimu Kunaka (46) and his accomplice Cuthbert Molisen Finiyasi (71) following allegations of unlawfully seizing land in Harare, which reportedly caused losses of US$1.5 million to the rightful owners.
Harare Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa ruled that the pair are a flight risk, noting that they had previously violated two High Court orders barring them from developing the disputed property.
"Their history of evading authorities, including only presenting themselves to police on September 2 after being summoned in January, suggests they may fail to appear for future court dates," the magistrate said.
The complainant, Sunshine Development (Pvt) Ltd, represented by Mandla Marlone Ndebele, alleges that Kunaka and Finiyasi, purporting to represent Ward 2 Flats Housing Pay Scheme, illegally invaded stand number 19608, Mukuvisi Township, between 2019 and 2020. They are accused of conducting illegal excavations, pegging, and attempting to sell residential stands despite lacking legitimate ownership.
Sunshine Development successfully obtained an interdict order compelling them to stop the illegal activities. A subsequent interdict was obtained in September 2023, with the High Court ordering the accused to vacate the property within 48 hours of service.
Despite no longer being members of the Ward 2 Flats Housing Scheme, Kunaka, Finiyasi, and co-accused Nomore Mhonde (currently at large) continued to claim the property and allegedly misled local authorities by presenting a false list of pay scheme applications.
On 7 July 2025, the accused reportedly engaged Barrysmith Projects and Developers, misrepresenting themselves as rightful landowners. Barrysmith, represented by General Manager Kawawa James, signed a memorandum of agreement to develop the land, allocating themselves 55% of residential stands and one commercial stand as remuneration.
Barrysmith invested approximately US$70,000 in mobilizing equipment, erecting site offices, and opening roads, only to later discover the land claim was fraudulent.
The case has been remanded to 25 September 2025, as investigations continue.
Harare Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa ruled that the pair are a flight risk, noting that they had previously violated two High Court orders barring them from developing the disputed property.
"Their history of evading authorities, including only presenting themselves to police on September 2 after being summoned in January, suggests they may fail to appear for future court dates," the magistrate said.
The complainant, Sunshine Development (Pvt) Ltd, represented by Mandla Marlone Ndebele, alleges that Kunaka and Finiyasi, purporting to represent Ward 2 Flats Housing Pay Scheme, illegally invaded stand number 19608, Mukuvisi Township, between 2019 and 2020. They are accused of conducting illegal excavations, pegging, and attempting to sell residential stands despite lacking legitimate ownership.
Sunshine Development successfully obtained an interdict order compelling them to stop the illegal activities. A subsequent interdict was obtained in September 2023, with the High Court ordering the accused to vacate the property within 48 hours of service.
Despite no longer being members of the Ward 2 Flats Housing Scheme, Kunaka, Finiyasi, and co-accused Nomore Mhonde (currently at large) continued to claim the property and allegedly misled local authorities by presenting a false list of pay scheme applications.
On 7 July 2025, the accused reportedly engaged Barrysmith Projects and Developers, misrepresenting themselves as rightful landowners. Barrysmith, represented by General Manager Kawawa James, signed a memorandum of agreement to develop the land, allocating themselves 55% of residential stands and one commercial stand as remuneration.
Barrysmith invested approximately US$70,000 in mobilizing equipment, erecting site offices, and opening roads, only to later discover the land claim was fraudulent.
The case has been remanded to 25 September 2025, as investigations continue.
Source - online
