Harare – In a dramatic turn of events, the State yesterday withdrew fraud charges against former Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Arda) chairman Basil Nyabadza, who is accused of defrauding outspoken war veteran Blessed “Bombshell” Geza of US$1 362 000 in a land deal.
The charges were withdrawn before a plea was taken, meaning the evidence can be reused in a subsequent trial. Prosecutor Mr. Anesu Chirenje informed the court that Nyabadza would be summoned back to court once Geza makes himself available.
Nyabadza opposed the withdrawal, insisting that charges should be read to him and the trial should commence. However, the new magistrate, Mr. Donald Ndirowei, who took over from Ms. Tilda Mazhande after she recused herself citing personal reasons, sided with the State and withdrew the charges before the plea.
Last week, Ms. Mazhande had put the State on notice that she would remove Nyabadza from remand if Geza failed to appear in court.
The case revolves around a land deal in which Geza allegedly purchased 42,3504 hectares from Nyabadza for US$1 362 000 on October 29, 2020. According to the State, Geza was granted sole authority to subdivide, develop, and sell the land.
Prosecutor Chirenje alleged that Nyabadza misrepresented to Geza that the land had title deeds, which he promised to hand over within a month. However, he failed to deliver.
While Geza was in the process of obtaining subdivision permits from the Department of Physical Planning in Mashonaland West, he allegedly discovered that Nyabadza had already sold the same land to Velda Estates.
The court heard that Geza attempted to resolve the matter amicably with Nyabadza, only to find that his agreement of sale had been cancelled without his knowledge. As a result, Geza was allegedly prejudiced of US$1 362 000, with no recovery made.
The withdrawal of charges against Nyabadza coincides with a concerted campaign to discredit Geza, a militant war veterans leader who recently launched a scathing attack on President Mnangagwa, demanding his resignation and vowing to thwart his alleged plans to extend his rule beyond 2028.
Geza has been a vocal critic of President Mnangagwa, repeatedly calling for his resignation and accusing him of failing the country. His outspoken stance has drawn significant attention to his activities and whereabouts, making him a target for those loyal to the President.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is reportedly pursuing four criminal charges against Geza, including undermining the authority of or insulting the President. Allies of President Mnangagwa, including Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, are reportedly referencing an alleged murder case against him.
The unfolding events raise concerns about the politicisation of the legal system and the potential use of state resources to target political opponents. With Geza reportedly in South Africa and facing a barrage of charges, his ability to pursue the fraud case against Nyabadza remains uncertain.
