A Zimbabwean court rejected a defense claim that fraud allegations were too old to prosecute, allowing a property dispute lawsuit to advance. Justice Gladys Mhuri determined that fraud cases are not subject to time limits under the nation's prescription laws.
Businessmen David and Darryl Muchinguri, with their firm Sagnol International, brought the suit against Frank Buyanga and three other parties. They claim a 2008 loan was disguised as a share sale because the lender lacked proper licensing, and that fake documents were used to transfer property in 2009.
Cont River Investment argued the May 2023 filing came over a decade past the deadline. The judge sided with the plaintiffs, ruling that fraud voids all related transactions, regardless of when it is discovered.
The case will proceed to examine whether a $20,000 loan was hidden as a share agreement and whether forged papers were used to illegally move Stand 1860 in Marlborough Township. Cont River must cover legal costs from its failed dismissal attempt.
Businessmen David and Darryl Muchinguri, with their firm Sagnol International, brought the suit against Frank Buyanga and three other parties. They claim a 2008 loan was disguised as a share sale because the lender lacked proper licensing, and that fake documents were used to transfer property in 2009.
Cont River Investment argued the May 2023 filing came over a decade past the deadline. The judge sided with the plaintiffs, ruling that fraud voids all related transactions, regardless of when it is discovered.
The case will proceed to examine whether a $20,000 loan was hidden as a share agreement and whether forged papers were used to illegally move Stand 1860 in Marlborough Township. Cont River must cover legal costs from its failed dismissal attempt.
