Arrest Warrant for Former RBZ Governor Gideon Gono

Arrest Warrant for Former RBZ Governor Gideon Gono

A warrant of arrest has been issued for the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), Gideon Gono, following his failure to appear at the Harare Magistrates’ Court on Monday in relation to a protracted fraud case.

Gono had lodged a complaint against two local businesspeople, a married couple, accusing them of fraudulently altering the directorship of Valley Lodge, a property he claims to own.

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Although the matter dates back to 2017, it only commenced last week, with Gono expected to be present in court. His unexplained absence prompted the court to issue the arrest warrant.

The case, which had been delayed for years due to an incomplete docket, was finally brought before the court, with prosecutor Sithembiso Moyo stating that the State had been awaiting the finalisation of the docket since last year.

Arrest Warrant for Former RBZ Governor Gideon Gono

The accused couple, Beverly Aisha Makoni and Clark Makoni, face charges of illegally claiming ownership of Valley Lodge. In their defence, the couple alleges that they are being unfairly targeted by Gono, whom they accuse of using political influence to manipulate the legal process.

In a statement presented to the court, the Makonis claim that the allegations are part of a malicious campaign orchestrated by powerful individuals.

“The accused person further asserts that these are clearly malicious, frivolous, and vexatious allegations being peddled by the complainant in connivance with those who occupy certain positions of influence within the law enforcement agencies or other government-linked institutions who maliciously caused their arrest without any shred of evidence to justify their arrest and/or prosecution,” reads their defence.

Since Gono did not attend court, his representative, George Mashonganyika, received the arrest warrant on his behalf.