Staff Reporter
The past is catching up with controversial war veteran,Cde Blessed Geza, who is at the centre of a US$1.5 million property dispute involving the once-thriving Harare Safari Lodge.
The luxurious resort, which was a vibrant getaway five years ago, now stands in a state of neglect—its former glory erased since Geza allegedly seized control in 2020.
The dispute revolves around an agreement Geza reportedly entered into with property owner Mr. Brett McDonald for the purchase of shares in Harare Safari Lodge, a company that owns the lodge situated at Lake Chivero. However, sources close to the matter reveal that despite taking possession of the property, Geza failed to make the agreed payment.
According to Simbarashe Chigumira, legal counsel for Whatman & Stewart Associates, Geza was supposed to pay US$1.5 million within 14 days of signing the agreement in December 2020.
However, when he failed to raise the funds, the deal effectively collapsed. Despite this, Geza allegedly forced McDonald’s employees off the property and moved in with his wife and sister, occupying the main residence without the rightful owner’s consent.
“The parties signed the agreement in December 2020, but Mr. Geza did not manage to raise the purchase price for the shares,” Chigumira explained.
“Another term of the agreement was that upon purchasing the shares, Geza would consequently take over the Harare Safari Lodge. But despite failing to pay, he occupied the lodge unlawfully, removed our client’s staff, and even took over the primary residence.”
Since then, McDonald’s efforts to reclaim the property have been met with resistance. Reports indicate that Geza not only took control of the premises but also disposed of several movable assets belonging to McDonald. Vehicles and other valuables that were part of the wedding venue and guest lodge business have allegedly been sold without the owner’s consent.
“The matter is in court and is expected to go for trial later this term, possibly in March,” Chigumira added. “But to this day, Geza has not paid a cent for the shares. Meanwhile, assets have been sold off, further prejudicing our client.”
Despite legal action against Geza, efforts to evict himfrom the property have so far been unsuccessful. With the trial looming, McDonald remains hopeful that justice will prevail and that he will regain control of the lodge before it falls into further disrepair.
