By Courts and Crime Reporter-The highly anticipated trial of former Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) boss Basil Nyabadza, accused of defrauding outspoken war veteran Blessed Geza of US$1.3 million, failed to commence on Thursday at the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
Nyabadza’s defence team requested additional particulars from the State to prepare adequately for trial.
The State alleges that on October 29, 2020, Geza purchased a 423,504-hectare piece of land from Nyabadza for US$1,362,000.
According to prosecutor Anesu Chirenje, Geza was granted sole authority to subdivide, develop, and sell the land.
However, Nyabadza allegedly misrepresented that the property had title deeds and assured Geza that the documents would be provided within a month—a promise that was never fulfilled.
Complications arose when Geza sought subdivision permits from the Mashonaland West Department of Physical Planning, only to discover that the land had already been sold to Velda Estates.
Further engagements with Nyabadza proved futile, as Geza learned that the sale agreement had been cancelled without his knowledge.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, questions linger over Geza’s financial capacity to purchase such an expansive and expensive property.
As an ex-combatant positioning himself as a voice against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s corruption, the source of Geza’s US$1.3 million remains unclear.
His ability to enter such a high-stakes land deal raises concerns about how he accumulated such wealth—was it through legitimate means, political connections, or other undisclosed sources?
Nyabadza’s defence, led by lawyer Tazorora Musarurwa, has demanded further clarification from the State regarding the financial transactions.
“Provide a breakdown of how this amount was calculated,” Musarurwa argued, questioning whether Geza actually paid the full US$1.3 million.
The defence also requested proof of payments, including receipts and bank statements, given that records allegedly show Geza only paid US$112,000.