Zimbabwe police chief asked to intervene in bar ownership dispute

An American investor, Yuxin Zhang - also known as Jessie - has appealed for senior police intervention in an ongoing business dispute with her partner, alleging interference with court processes and possible misconduct within law enforcement structures.

Yuxin is involved in a joint venture with Wenjing Cao, also known as Vicky, through Melon Bay Trading, which operates the Cosmopolitan Restaurant and Bar in Harare. The pair are equal shareholders and directors, but their business relationship has since broken down, spilling into both civil and criminal proceedings.

Through her lawyers, Rusinahama-Rabvukwa Attorneys, Yuxin has raised concerns with Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba over what she describes as repeated failure by her partner to attend court proceedings, despite police awareness of the matters.

The legal team alleges that Wenjing has been reported for forgery, fraud and contempt of court, while Yuxin herself is also facing a related forgery charge. However, they claim investigators have not provided key case documents, complicating the progress of the matter.

According to the complaint, developments on March 30 saw Yuxin attend the Commercial Crimes Division after being summoned, only to be informed that both dockets had been withdrawn from court processes on instructions from senior officers. Her partner and legal representatives were reportedly absent.

Her lawyers further allege that when they proceeded to the Harare Magistrates Court, no meaningful progress was made, and neither the accused persons nor investigating officers were present.

Yuxin has expressed concern that her partner may be benefiting from undue influence, alleging that Wenjing has claimed to have protection from senior officials and that this has contributed to delays in the case.

At the centre of the dispute is a court order reportedly granting Yuxin access to company records, which she says has been repeatedly ignored. She further alleges that Wenjing has unilaterally managed staffing decisions and company funds, including placing personal employees on the payroll without consent.

The matter remains before the courts, with both civil and criminal cases ongoing as tensions between the business partners continue to escalate.