State Drops Fraud Charges Against Construction Company Owners in Chiwenga Case

A Harare couple, who owns the well-known construction firm Gray Homes, has been cleared of criminal charges after being accused of defrauding Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s wife, Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, of nearly US$1 million.

On Monday, the charges against Annavestah Mudiwa (39) and her husband, Gray Mudiwa, were withdrawn before Harare Magistrate Donald Ndirowei. No official reasons were provided in court for the withdrawal.

The couple had been accused of failing to complete a luxury double-storey mansion, a warehouse, and a shopping mall despite receiving substantial payments from Baloyi-Chiwenga.

According to the State, in March 2023, the couple assured the complainant that they could construct a double-storey house, a cottage, and a precast wall within 90 days.

“They misrepresented their capacity and falsely claimed they could complete the project within the given time frame,” the prosecution alleged.

Based on these assurances, Baloyi-Chiwenga reportedly transferred US$560,000 to the couple. However, the funds were allegedly misused, leaving the project unfinished, resulting in a financial loss of US$389,100.

The couple faced further accusations related to two additional projects:

• Warehouse Construction (June 2023): They allegedly deceived the complainant into believing they could build a warehouse at Chivaraidze Farm in Goromonzi. Baloyi-Chiwenga reportedly paid them US$550,000, but they failed to complete the work, misappropriating US$390,000.
• Shopping Mall Construction (September 2023): Using similar tactics, they secured US$158,000 for a shopping mall project at Silalatshani Business Centre in Filabusi. The prosecution claimed they diverted US$151,000 for personal use, leaving the project incomplete.

Despite these serious allegations, the case was withdrawn, and the couple is no longer facing charges. No recoveries have been made in connection with the missing funds.

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