Johnson Progress

A high-profile court case involving former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor Gideon Gono has taken a dramatic turn, with the accused couple, Clark Clever Makoni and Beverly Aisha Ndonda Makoni, alleging that Gono attempted to extort them using his political influence.

Gono claims the Makonis fraudulently altered company documents to seize control of Valley Lodge [Pvt] Ltd, a lucrative hospitality business he insists he rightfully owns.

However, the Makonis’ lawyer, Admire Rubaya, grilled Gono on the authenticity of the allegations, suggesting the case is an elaborate ploy to strong-arm the couple into a US$50,000 payoff.

The dispute began in 2017 when Gono engaged the Makonis to help manage Valley Lodge and other properties.

The Makonis allegedly forged a CR14 form, elevating Clark to Managing Director and Beverly to Finance Director, effectively shutting Gono out of the business.

Gono admitted under cross-examination that a proposed settlement agreement required all three parties’ signatures to be binding, a key point in the couple’s denial that any settlement had been reached.

The Makonis also alleged that Gono used his influence to have Clark arrested twice by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).

The case has raised questions about Gono’s ownership of Valley Lodge, as he conceded that he lacks expert proof to confirm the Makonis forged documents and that he is neither a registered shareholder nor director of the company.

The trial is set to resume on July 11, with both parties presenting further evidence.