Former Reserve Bank chief Gideon Gono has accused two trusted employees of stealing his luxury lodge business. Clarks and Beverly Makoni managed more than 15 properties for the retired banker since 2016. The couple allegedly forged legal documents to seize control of Valley Lodge in Mutare. Police arrested Gono's workers after the Makonis obtained fake court orders blocking access to the property. The same fraud pattern happened at other Gono properties around Chivhu.
Court heard how the Makonis changed company records without permission from the real owner. They switched bank account signatures and started withdrawing money for fake salaries. The couple stole over 137 million Zimbabwe dollars through unauthorized bank transfers. Gono trusted them to collect rent payments and send him monthly reports about his investments. Instead they kept all the money and ignored their duties for several months.
The former banker discovered the scam when staff members George Mashonganyika and others investigated missing rental income. Bank records showed the Makonis had illegally changed company leadership documents. Ayoob Omar testified that he sold Valley Lodge directly to Gono and never dealt with the accused couple. Clark Makoni apologized and promised to repay 50,000 US dollars but Beverly refused to sign any agreement.
Prosecutors claim the couple embezzled 172 million Zimbabwe dollars through their elaborate scheme. The anti-corruption commission continues investigating the case. Magistrate Stanford Mambanje postponed proceedings until July 11 for more witness testimony. Gono depends on these property investments for his retirement income.
Court heard how the Makonis changed company records without permission from the real owner. They switched bank account signatures and started withdrawing money for fake salaries. The couple stole over 137 million Zimbabwe dollars through unauthorized bank transfers. Gono trusted them to collect rent payments and send him monthly reports about his investments. Instead they kept all the money and ignored their duties for several months.
The former banker discovered the scam when staff members George Mashonganyika and others investigated missing rental income. Bank records showed the Makonis had illegally changed company leadership documents. Ayoob Omar testified that he sold Valley Lodge directly to Gono and never dealt with the accused couple. Clark Makoni apologized and promised to repay 50,000 US dollars but Beverly refused to sign any agreement.
Prosecutors claim the couple embezzled 172 million Zimbabwe dollars through their elaborate scheme. The anti-corruption commission continues investigating the case. Magistrate Stanford Mambanje postponed proceedings until July 11 for more witness testimony. Gono depends on these property investments for his retirement income.
