HARARE, Zimbabwe — A couple accused of fraudulently seizing control of Valley Lodge Pvt Ltd claims former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Gideon Gono tried to extort US$50,000 from them, using his influence over law enforcement to pressure them into compliance.
Clark and Beverly Aisha Makoni, represented by top lawyer Admire Rubaya, told the Harare Magistrates’ Court that Gono used connections within the police and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to orchestrate arrests and intimidate them into signing over money in exchange for dropping charges.
The dispute centers on the ownership of Valley Lodge. Gono alleges the Makonis altered the company’s CR14 documents in 2017, fraudulently listing themselves as directors while he was still finalizing payment for the property. The couple says they were managing the business with Gono’s consent until the relationship soured.
The Makonis say Gono demanded a US$50,000 payout during a meeting arranged to settle the matter privately. They allege that Gono’s subsequent willingness to drop charges — once the payment was made — indicates the charges were a tool of coercion, not justice.
During cross-examination, the defense painted Gono as a powerful figure who discards close associates when convenient, citing his past treatment of former confidant Ralph Muzembe.
Despite Gono’s claim to ownership, the court heard he neither holds shares nor directorship in Valley Lodge, as the transfer from the original owners, the Omar brothers, remains incomplete.
Magistrate Stanford Mambanje postponed the matter to July 11, when ZACC investigating officer Eric Chacha is expected to testify.
