HARARE — A Harare lawyer and his secretary have appeared in court accused of diverting more than US$1.3 million collected from buyers of residential stands in Tynwald, allegedly using two sets of receipt books to conceal the transactions.

Joseph Mandizha, 58, and Ranganai Tigere, 47, appeared before regional magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa facing theft of trust property and money laundering charges.

Both were granted US$1,000 bail after spending the weekend in custody.

Prosecutors allege that Mandizha’s law firm, Mandizha and Company Legal Practitioners, was engaged in 2017 to manage financial transactions for a residential development on 16.1883 hectares owned by Martmon Sibindi Trust.

The firm was responsible for preparing sale agreements, receiving payments from stand buyers and accounting for money collected.

Mandizha allegedly recommended Heaven on Earth Real Estate, a company in which he holds a majority shareholding, to market the stands.

According to the State, Mandizha and Tigere began diverting funds intended for the trust in January 2023.

Prosecutors claim Mandizha instructed Tigere to maintain two receipt books, recording different amounts to conceal the alleged misappropriation.

The suspected irregularities were discovered in March 2026, prompting an audit which allegedly established that US$1,333,342 had been diverted.

The State further alleges that Mandizha used some of the money to purchase a mine in Marondera to disguise its origins.

No money has been recovered, according to prosecutors.

Lawrence Gangarahwe represented the State, while the accused were represented by a lawyer identified as Nyadumbi from Musara Law Chambers.

The allegations have not been proven in court.