News / National
Delma Lupepe faces eviction by Obert Mpofu
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Once a flamboyant businessman in Bulawayo, Delma Lupepe is now embroiled in a legal battle after allegedly refusing to vacate a rented residential property in Burnside despite owing US$20,000 in unpaid rent. The property, located at Number 8 Bluebird Road, Burnside, is owned by Trebo and Khays (Private) Limited, a company with ties to Zanu-PF heavyweight Obert Mpofu.
According to Southern Eye on Sunday, Lupepe has not paid rent for several months, with arrears accumulating since November 2023. Despite being served with an eviction notice, Lupepe has allegedly remained at the property, creating a significant dispute with the new tenant, Mthabisi Moyo, who had signed a lease agreement to occupy the house starting November 1, 2024.
Moyo, frustrated by the impasse, shared his experience with Southern Eye. "When I arrived at the house, I found Delma still inside, refusing to move out," Moyo said. "I explained that I had already paid for the lease, and the agent confirmed that Lupepe owes them over $20,000 in rent arrears." Moyo said that, unable to gain access to the house, he took the drastic step of blocking the gate with rubble to prevent Lupepe from entering or leaving the property.
Southern Eye's visit to the property confirmed that a large amount of rubble was piled near the gate, effectively blocking access. Moyo, who has been paying rent for the past 19 days without being able to occupy the house, expressed his frustration, stating, "I had no choice but to block the gate to inconvenience him."
Trebo and Khays, the property owners, confirmed the ongoing dispute, with a company official stating, "He has not been paying rent and seems to want to live rent-free." The matter has been referred to legal channels for resolution.
When contacted for comment, Lupepe denied the allegations, saying, "I don't know anything about that. I don't stay at the address."
This latest dispute comes as part of a long history of financial troubles for Lupepe. In 2016, he was served with summons by property owner Ecobank over US$18,000 in rental arrears for a property he rented in Matsheumhlope. In June 2018, he was sentenced to three months in prison for failing to repay US$280,000 owed to Ecobank. Lupepe has also faced multiple court cases related to unpaid debts, including a 2017 case involving a US$29,000 loan from Nissi Global (Pvt) Ltd.
Further complicating Lupepe's financial woes, his once-thriving towel manufacturing company, Merspin Limited, was placed under judicial management in 2013 due to debts amounting to US$6.3 million. In the same year, Bulawayo Real Estate auctioned several of his properties, including a house in Suburbs and a flat in Ascot, to recover debts.
Lupepe's ongoing legal issues highlight the financial difficulties that have plagued his businesses and personal affairs in recent years. As this latest property dispute unfolds, the outcome remains uncertain, with Moyo seeking justice and compensation for the inconvenience caused by Lupepe's refusal to vacate the premises.
According to Southern Eye on Sunday, Lupepe has not paid rent for several months, with arrears accumulating since November 2023. Despite being served with an eviction notice, Lupepe has allegedly remained at the property, creating a significant dispute with the new tenant, Mthabisi Moyo, who had signed a lease agreement to occupy the house starting November 1, 2024.
Moyo, frustrated by the impasse, shared his experience with Southern Eye. "When I arrived at the house, I found Delma still inside, refusing to move out," Moyo said. "I explained that I had already paid for the lease, and the agent confirmed that Lupepe owes them over $20,000 in rent arrears." Moyo said that, unable to gain access to the house, he took the drastic step of blocking the gate with rubble to prevent Lupepe from entering or leaving the property.
Southern Eye's visit to the property confirmed that a large amount of rubble was piled near the gate, effectively blocking access. Moyo, who has been paying rent for the past 19 days without being able to occupy the house, expressed his frustration, stating, "I had no choice but to block the gate to inconvenience him."
Trebo and Khays, the property owners, confirmed the ongoing dispute, with a company official stating, "He has not been paying rent and seems to want to live rent-free." The matter has been referred to legal channels for resolution.
When contacted for comment, Lupepe denied the allegations, saying, "I don't know anything about that. I don't stay at the address."
This latest dispute comes as part of a long history of financial troubles for Lupepe. In 2016, he was served with summons by property owner Ecobank over US$18,000 in rental arrears for a property he rented in Matsheumhlope. In June 2018, he was sentenced to three months in prison for failing to repay US$280,000 owed to Ecobank. Lupepe has also faced multiple court cases related to unpaid debts, including a 2017 case involving a US$29,000 loan from Nissi Global (Pvt) Ltd.
Further complicating Lupepe's financial woes, his once-thriving towel manufacturing company, Merspin Limited, was placed under judicial management in 2013 due to debts amounting to US$6.3 million. In the same year, Bulawayo Real Estate auctioned several of his properties, including a house in Suburbs and a flat in Ascot, to recover debts.
Lupepe's ongoing legal issues highlight the financial difficulties that have plagued his businesses and personal affairs in recent years. As this latest property dispute unfolds, the outcome remains uncertain, with Moyo seeking justice and compensation for the inconvenience caused by Lupepe's refusal to vacate the premises.
Source - southern eye
