News / National
Ugly fight over Rhodes' estate
26 May 2025 at 08:09hrs | Views
Allegations have surfaced that suspected land barons are impersonating ZANU-PF officials in an attempt to seize properties belonging to the estate of Cecil John Rhodes' grandson, sparking a legal and familial dispute.
Elizabeth Anne Rhodes, widow of Brian James Rhodes - grandson of the British colonialist Cecil John Rhodes - has appealed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to intervene and protect the family's multimillion-dollar estate from what she describes as fraudulent activities by individuals abusing the ZANU-PF name.
Elizabeth claims she was unlawfully evicted from one of the estate's properties following a claim that her late husband resigned from the estate's management in 2012, despite his death occurring in 2006, as confirmed by his death certificate.
"The family is appealing to President Mnangagwa to intervene before the family loses its multimillion-dollar property to some well-known fraudsters, who are abusing the name of the party ZANU-PF," Elizabeth said.
Court documents reveal that in 2002, Elizabeth appointed Elizabeth Parirenyatwa as the executor of the Rhodes estate to ensure family reconciliation following Brian Rhodes' death and to execute his last will.
The papers emphasise the need to prevent illegal land sales and unauthorized occupation of the properties. "We are suing and reporting all matters to responsible authorities so that quick action is attained, order restored, and the illegal occupants removed," the documents state. The beneficiaries, including Elizabeth and the late Brian's four children, are determined to uphold their legal rights to the estate.
During earlier court proceedings, an assistant from the Master of the High Court disclosed that the late Brian Rhodes' children had lodged numerous complaints seeking the removal of Parirenyatwa as executor. The children argued that she was unsuitable for the role, with defense lawyers labeling her mentally unstable and criminal.
It was confirmed in court that Brian James Rhodes passed away on July 29, 2006, and that Elizabeth later registered the estate under case DRI 426/1. Parirenyatwa was appointed executor dative after receiving power of attorney from Elizabeth.
Cecil John Rhodes, a controversial figure, founded the British South Africa Company responsible for the colonisation of Zimbabwe in the 1890s. Born in England in 1853, he died in 1902 in the Cape Colony and was buried in present-day Matobo National Park.
The dispute over the Rhodes estate highlights ongoing tensions around land ownership and control in Zimbabwe, compounded by allegations of fraudulent impersonation of political figures to gain unlawful advantage. Elizabeth Anne Rhodes' call for presidential intervention underscores the seriousness of the matter as the family seeks to secure its legacy amid claims of illegal occupation and manipulation.
Elizabeth Anne Rhodes, widow of Brian James Rhodes - grandson of the British colonialist Cecil John Rhodes - has appealed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to intervene and protect the family's multimillion-dollar estate from what she describes as fraudulent activities by individuals abusing the ZANU-PF name.
Elizabeth claims she was unlawfully evicted from one of the estate's properties following a claim that her late husband resigned from the estate's management in 2012, despite his death occurring in 2006, as confirmed by his death certificate.
"The family is appealing to President Mnangagwa to intervene before the family loses its multimillion-dollar property to some well-known fraudsters, who are abusing the name of the party ZANU-PF," Elizabeth said.
Court documents reveal that in 2002, Elizabeth appointed Elizabeth Parirenyatwa as the executor of the Rhodes estate to ensure family reconciliation following Brian Rhodes' death and to execute his last will.
The papers emphasise the need to prevent illegal land sales and unauthorized occupation of the properties. "We are suing and reporting all matters to responsible authorities so that quick action is attained, order restored, and the illegal occupants removed," the documents state. The beneficiaries, including Elizabeth and the late Brian's four children, are determined to uphold their legal rights to the estate.
During earlier court proceedings, an assistant from the Master of the High Court disclosed that the late Brian Rhodes' children had lodged numerous complaints seeking the removal of Parirenyatwa as executor. The children argued that she was unsuitable for the role, with defense lawyers labeling her mentally unstable and criminal.
It was confirmed in court that Brian James Rhodes passed away on July 29, 2006, and that Elizabeth later registered the estate under case DRI 426/1. Parirenyatwa was appointed executor dative after receiving power of attorney from Elizabeth.
Cecil John Rhodes, a controversial figure, founded the British South Africa Company responsible for the colonisation of Zimbabwe in the 1890s. Born in England in 1853, he died in 1902 in the Cape Colony and was buried in present-day Matobo National Park.
The dispute over the Rhodes estate highlights ongoing tensions around land ownership and control in Zimbabwe, compounded by allegations of fraudulent impersonation of political figures to gain unlawful advantage. Elizabeth Anne Rhodes' call for presidential intervention underscores the seriousness of the matter as the family seeks to secure its legacy amid claims of illegal occupation and manipulation.
Source - The Standard
