Jailed Chiyangwa sells massive mansion

Jailed Chiyangwa sells massive mansion

CHIYANGWA AND WIFE

THE CARPORT

THE MANSION

THE KITCHEN

THE MASTER BEDROOM
(PICTURES © ExpoProperties)

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By Njabulo Ncube

PHILIP Chiyangwa, the maverick ZANU PF legislator and businessman currently languishing in remand prison on allegations of espionage, has sold his lavish Borrowdale mansion for an estimated Zim$6.8 billion, the Financial Gazette reported.

The white two-storey palace, popularly referred to as Harare’s White House, has been flogged off to an undisclosed buyer who market sources said feared being identified in light of the controversy surrounding the incarcerated businessman-turned-politician.

The deposed ZANU PF Mashonaland West chairman is in remand prison awaiting a High Court judgment on his bail application.

Chiyangwa, who faces up to 20 years imprisonment if convicted of breaching the Official Secrets Act, is expected to appear at the magistrate courts tomorrow on routine remand.

Zimbabwe’s ambassador-designate to Mozambique, Godfrey Dzvairo, banker Tendai Matambanadzo and ZANU PF external affairs director Itai Marchi, who were facing similar charges, were on Tuesday jailed for a maximum of six years each.

Speculation swirled this week the property could have been disposed to a foreign embassy or international organisation based in Harare.

Investigations revealed that the double-storey property, which boasts of 18 bedrooms — all ensuite — 18 stylishly furnished lounges, three roof helipads and a fully furnished office with state-of-the-art technological embellishments, has been on sale since December last year but the sale was concluded in the past three weeks.

A “sold” sign was by yesterday morning still posted outside the huge property at the corner of 11 Prestwood Lane and Crowhill in Quinnington, Borrowdale.

An official with the Harare realtor that handled the sale, Seeff Zimbabwe, confirmed the development.

“We sold the property in December last year but we are not supposed to say for how much and to whom,” the official said.

It could not be ascertained if the house, which has Greek, Portuguese and Italian tiles, went voetstoets with plasma televisions, a theatre-type television in the main bedroom, computerised wardrobes, several satellite dishes and other accessories.

Chiyangwa’s neighbours who spoke to this newspaper said they were taken by surprise when the leading Harare estate agent three weeks ago erected a sign proclaiming that the house, an oasis even in the midst of the suburb’s extravagant opulence, had been sold.

“The “sold” sign was posted three weeks ago but other people continue flocking here to inquire about the property,” a neighbour said. “Just yesterday sales representatives from another Harare estate agent were here inquiring about the property,” added the nighbour, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

However, it is understood that Chiyangwa’s wife and other members of his family were this week still occupying the property as final transactions were being concluded -- Financial Gazette
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