Warrant issued for businesswoman

A Harare magistrate has issued a warrant of arrest against businesswoman Wenjing Cao, also known as Vicky, after she failed to appear in court to answer to contempt of court charges.

Magistrate Ruth Moyo granted the warrant after Cao, who had been subpoenaed, did not attend the proceedings and provided no explanation for her absence.

The matter arises from a dispute between Cao and her business partner, Yuxin Zhang, also known as Jessie. The two are co-directors and equal shareholders in Melon Bay Trading, the company that operates Cosmopolitan Restaurant and Bar in Harare.

According to court documents, both parties hold a 50% stake in the company, which operates from premises at 31 Fleetwood Road owned by Zhang's family trust, HNZ Family Trust.

Zhang alleges that rental payments collected by the business were not remitted to JC Delonix (Pvt) Ltd, which manages the property on behalf of the trust.

Further allegations include the unauthorised conversion of a VIP conference room—previously a revenue-generating facility—into a private office without board approval.

The dispute has escalated beyond internal disagreements, with Zhang raising concerns in a letter to Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner Stephen Mutamba. She claims Cao has shown disregard for court processes and alleges possible collusion with some law enforcement officers.

The fallout between the two business partners has now spilled into both criminal and civil courts, with several related cases currently before the judiciary.

Authorities are expected to act on the warrant as legal proceedings continue.