Miniyothabo Francisca Baloyi-Chiwenga, wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, has taken a Harare business couple to court, accusing them of defrauding her of nearly US$1 million.
According to media reports, the couple, Gray and Annavester Mudiwa, owners of Gray Homes, allegedly abandoned three construction projects – a home, warehouse, and shopping mall in Filabusi – despite receiving payment.
The Mudiwas face three counts of fraud and appeared before Magistrate Donald Ndirowei, challenging their remand placement.
Prosecutor Tinashe Chirambira alleges that the couple misrepresented their capabilities to Baloyi-Chiwenga in March 2023, promising to construct a double-storey house, cottage, and boundary wall, but failed to deliver. The case highlights concerns about fraudulent business practices and the need for accountability.
“They misrepresented their capacity and falsified that they could and would complete the project in 90 days,” Chirambira said.
“This excited the complainant leading to her dispatching US$560,000 to the accused persons.
“After receiving the funds, the accused persons diverted them to their own use, did not complete the project leading the complainant to suffer a prejudice of US$389,100.”
Prosecutor Tinashe Chirambira additionally alleged that in June 2023, Gray and Annavester Mudiwa deceived Miniyothabo Francisca Baloyi-Chiwenga by falsely claiming they could build a warehouse at Chivaraidze Farm in Goromonzi, despite knowing they lacked the resources and expertise to complete the project.
This alleged misrepresentation further contributed to the fraud charges against the couple, as they purportedly accepted payment for a project they had no intention or ability to fulfill.
“Acting on the misrepresentation, the complainant proceeded to give to the accused persons US$550,000.
“After receiving the funds, the accused did not complete the project and converted funds amounting to US$390,000 to their own use. The accused did not complete the project as was promised.
“As a result of the accused’s actions, the complainant suffered a total financial prejudice in the sum of US$390,000 and nothing has been recovered thus far,” Chirambira said.
In the third count, it is claimed that in September 2023, the two persuaded Baloyi-Chiwenga that they might build a shopping mall at Silalatshani Business Centre in Filabusi. They were handed US$158,000, but after receiving it, they reportedly diverted it for personal use.
“As a result of the accused’s actions, the complainant suffered a total financial prejudice in the sum of US$151,000 and nothing has been recovered so far.”
The case has been remanded until this Friday for a bail application.
