By In a high-profile dispute that has escalated to the High Court, controversial war veteran Cde Blessed Geza is embroiled in a legal battle over the ownership of Harare Safari Lodge, a scenic property located on the banks of Lake Chivero. The controversy stems from a 2020 agreement between Cde Geza and the lodge’s former owner, Mr Brett Allan McDonald, which has since unraveled amid allegations of unpaid debts and contested ownership.
According to reports, Cde Geza allegedly invaded Harare Safari Lodge in 2020, stripping it of assets, including vehicles, and forcibly evicting employees loyal to Mr McDonald. Cde Geza reportedly leveraged his political influence to take control of the property, which he claims is State land and therefore unsellable. However, Mr McDonald disputes this assertion, arguing that Cde Geza agreed to purchase his shareholding in the resort for US$1.5 million but has failed to pay a single cent since the deal was signed in December 2020.
Despite not fulfilling the payment terms, Cde Geza is said to have moved onto the property without Mr McDonald’s consent, taking up residence and enjoying full use of the lodge. Efforts to evict him, including formal notices addressing the breach of contract, have been unsuccessful, prompting Mr McDonald and Harare Safari Lodge (HSL) to seek judicial intervention.
By Ropafadzo Mashawi
In his defense, Cde Geza, through his legal team, argues that the agreement is null and void. He claims the property was acquired by the State in 2005, making the sale of shares invalid. Cde Geza contends that the transaction was an unlawful attempt to sell State land and has refused to pay until Mr McDonald and HSL address what he describes as “encumbrances” tied to the property’s ownership.
The case has yet to be resolved, with a pre-trial conference held in May 2023 before Justice Priscilla Munangati-Manongwa failing to produce a settlement. The court ruled that the matter must proceed to trial to address three key issues: whether HSL holds rightful ownership of the immovable property at Mclliwane 21 (Subdivision A of Glenroy of Oatlands), whether the agreement between Mr McDonald and Cde Geza was legally valid, and, if so, whether Mr McDonald lawfully canceled the agreement.
Mr McDonald’s lawyer, Mr Simbarashe Chigumira, has accused Cde Geza of forcibly taking over the lodge and its assets, including Mr McDonald’s primary residence, which was never part of the agreement. Mr Chigumira further revealed that he has received death threats from Cde Geza, adding another layer of tension to the already contentious case.
“Our client entered into an agreement of sale for shares in a company. Cde Geza was supposed to pay US$1.5 million within 14 days of signing the agreement in December 2020. However, he failed to raise the purchase price and instead took occupation of the lodge without consent. He forcibly removed our client’s staff and even occupied the primary residence, which was never part of the deal,” said Mr Chigumira.
The unresolved dispute highlights broader issues of property rights and accountability in Zimbabwe, as the courts prepare to determine the rightful ownership of Harare Safari Lodge.
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