Grace Mugabe Legal & Business Problems Keep Growing

By Staff Reporter
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October 14, 2019

Former first lady Grace Mugabe risks losing one of the properties that forms part of her family's sprawling residence in Harare's leafy suburb of Borrowdale - famously referred to as the Blue Roof - following a High Court ruling in June ordering the former first family to let go of that property.

This comes as Grace is feeling the heat on number of fronts, including from artisanal miners who have moved onto her properties in Mazowe, in Mashonaland Central, following the recent move by authorities to allow people she had disposed of their land there to claim back.

Grace risks losing all her properties in Mazowe – including her famed Gushungo dairy operations and top-notch school thereafter the government indicated that it could re-allocate the farms under her control to miners which were displaced from the area during her late husband's tenure in power.

This comes as there continues to be lingering about what lies ahead for the irascible and once untouchable widow of former president Robert Mugabe, following his recent death and his contested place of burial.

Former President Robert Mugabe and his wife, Grace, along with their family business, Gushungo Holdings were evicted from a Mazowe farm following an application by three farmers who were claiming ownership of the land.

Adonia Makombe, Sahungwe Hungwe and Nyika Chifamba issued summons at the High Court against Mugabe in June last year, seeking his eviction from Lot 1A Teviotdale Farm in Mazowe district of Mashonaland Central province.

The three argued that they were holders of offer letters for the land, which they grabbed at the height of the land reform programme in 2000.

But, Mugabe and his wife challenged the farmers' assertion, arguing the letters were not an entitlement to the land and that they had no right to demand the eviction over land for which they themselves had no lawful authority to use, possess or occupy.

Mugabe argued that only the Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement minister could exercise that right, but High Court judge Justice Helena Charehwa ruled in favour of the farmers and ordered the former President off the land.

In their application, the three cited Mugabe, Grace, Gushungo Holdings, Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement and Home Affairs ministers Perrance Shiri and Cain Mathema and police chief superintendents only identified as Nhubu and Kunene, as respondents.

"It is ordered that an order be and is hereby made against fourth to eighth defendants in terms of R182 (ii) for (1) the restoration of possession of sub-division 1, 2 and 3 of Lot A of Teviotdale Farm, Mazowe district to first, second and third respondents (Makombe, Hungwe and Chifamba) respectively.

The judge also ordered the "eviction of all persons claiming occupation through fifth defendant (Lands minister) of sub-division 1, 2 and 3 of Lot A of Teviotdale Farm, Mazowe district Mashonaland Central Province" plus payment of costs on a higher scale.

However, soon after being evicted from the piece of land, Mugabe, Grace and Gushungo Holdings filed an appeal at the Supreme Court on February 15, 2019 challenging Justice Charehwa's order and the matter is yet to be set down for hearing.

On February 18, the farmers also filed an urgent chamber application seeking an order for executing their judgment pending Mugabe's appeal and the matter is also yet to be set down for hearing.

Meanwhile, Gushungo Holdings is reportedly on the verge of collapse after it emerged that the company was struggling to keep afloat and was failing to pay workers' salaries since September last year.

According to one of the workers' leaders, a Dr Elson Sweva, Gushungo Holdings owes workers substantial amounts of money in salaries and commission.

Sweva said the situation worsened when the company reduced salaries without the workers' consent.

"Things have not been going on well since March last year, but the situation became worse after our salaries were reduced from $250 to $100 in September," Sweva said.

He said the company stopped paying commission last year as it was experiencing high product returns.

He said most workers received a two months' salary of $196 following a meeting held on February 1.

"Following a meeting on February 1, we were given two month's salary totalling $196 and, surely, what would one do with that amount in this economy? Even housemaids are paid better salaries," Sweva added.

But Gushungo Holdings managing director, Lameck Chinoera said the company does not owe workers outstanding dues, claiming that it was the other way round because some employees were still to repay advanced loans.

"We don't have anyone who is owed a salary. Those who work for commission are paid for what they would have worked for. It's not for the company to give people extra commission, it's calculated. I have a payroll indicating that some people actually have loans," said Chinoera.

On the viability of the company, Chinoera said they were being affected by foreign currency shortages like any other business in the country.

"We might have closed down one or two products on account of shortages of forex like most companies, but we are actually working on two shifts," he said.

Sources said Gushungo Holdings reduced its workforce by half since March last year and has been hit by resignations of key personnel.

Last year, Grace told 106 workers at Gwina Farm in Banket that she was not going to pay them terminal benefits even if they went to court.

Gwina Farm was reportedly grabbed by Grace from Supreme Court judge Justice Ben Hlatshwayo, who was then allocated another land.

According to reports, the former First Family owns over 10 farms in the country.

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Cybersecurity Threats Continue Rising as More Businesses Move Online

Cybersecurity has become one of the most important priorities for businesses, governments, and individuals in the digital age. As more organizations rely on online systems, cloud computing, and digital communication, cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attacks. Data breaches, ransomware incidents, phishing scams, and identity theft cases are rising worldwide, causing billions of dollars in financial losses each year.

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Businesses of all sizes are investing heavily in cybersecurity solutions to protect customer information and maintain operational security. Firewalls, antivirus software, encryption systems, and multi-factor authentication tools are now considered essential for modern organizations. Companies are also training employees to recognize suspicious emails and avoid common online scams.

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One of the biggest cybersecurity concerns is ransomware attacks. Hackers often target businesses, hospitals, schools, and government agencies by encrypting sensitive data and demanding payment to restore access. These attacks can disrupt operations for days or even weeks, creating serious financial and reputational damage.

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Small businesses are increasingly becoming targets because many lack advanced security systems. Experts recommend regular software updates, secure password management, and cloud backup solutions to reduce cyber risks. Consumers are also encouraged to protect personal information carefully while using online banking, shopping platforms, and social media networks.

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Artificial intelligence is now playing a major role in cybersecurity defense systems. AI-powered security tools can monitor network activity, detect unusual behavior, and respond to threats faster than traditional systems. However, cybercriminals are also using advanced technology to develop more complex attacks, creating an ongoing digital security battle.

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Governments around the world are introducing stricter data privacy regulations and cybersecurity laws to protect consumers and businesses. Experts believe cybersecurity careers will remain in high demand as digital threats continue evolving across industries globally.

DUI Defense Lawyer: Common Legal Defenses in Drunk Driving Cases

DUI defense lawyer, DUI defenses, drunk driving defense, DUI attorney, beat DUI charge, DUI case defense, DUI evidence

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DUI Defense Lawyer: Common Legal Defenses in Drunk Driving Cases

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A DUI arrest is not the same as a conviction. Prosecutors must prove the case, and the defense has the right to challenge the evidence.

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A DUI defense lawyer looks for legal, factual, and technical problems in the government’s case.

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Every DUI case is different. Some defenses focus on the traffic stop. Others focus on field sobriety tests, chemical testing, officer procedure, or whether the person was actually impaired.

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Defense 1: Illegal Traffic Stop

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Police usually need a legal reason to stop a driver.

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Possible stop reasons include:

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Speeding
rnSwerving
rnRunning a red light
rnExpired tag
rnEquipment violation
rnAccident investigation
rnReasonable suspicion of impaired driving

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If the stop was not legally justified, evidence gathered after the stop may be challenged.

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Defense 2: No Probable Cause for Arrest

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Even if the stop was legal, the officer must have enough evidence to make a DUI arrest.

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A lawyer may review:

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Driving behavior
rnOfficer observations
rnSpeech
rnBalance
rnOdor of alcohol
rnField sobriety tests
rnStatements
rnVideo evidence
rnMedical conditions

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If probable cause was weak, the arrest may be challenged.

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Defense 3: Field Sobriety Test Problems

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Field sobriety tests are not always reliable.

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A person may perform poorly because of:

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Medical conditions
rnAnxiety
rnFatigue
rnAge
rnInjury
rnPoor footwear
rnUneven ground
rnWeather
rnBad instructions
rnLanguage barriers

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A DUI lawyer may compare the officer’s report to body camera or dash camera video.

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Defense 4: Breath Test Issues

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Breath testing can be challenged if the machine or procedure was flawed.

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Potential issues include:

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Improper calibration
rnLack of maintenance
rnOfficer certification problems
rnMouth alcohol
rnVomiting or burping before test
rnMedical conditions
rnImproper observation period
rnRadio frequency interference claims
rnTesting outside required time windows

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A breath result is only as strong as the procedure behind it.

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Defense 5: Blood Test Problems

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Blood tests may be challenged based on:

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Improper blood draw
rnContamination
rnChain of custody
rnStorage problems
rnLab errors
rnFermentation
rnTesting delays
rnDocumentation gaps
rnQualified person requirements

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A lawyer may request lab records and review whether the sample was handled properly.

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Defense 6: Rising Blood Alcohol

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A rising blood alcohol defense argues that the person’s BAC was lower while driving and rose by the time of testing.

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This may be relevant when there is a delay between the stop and the chemical test.

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The defense depends on drinking timeline, food intake, body weight, test timing, and expert analysis.

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Defense 7: Medical Conditions

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Some medical conditions can affect DUI evidence.

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Examples may include:

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Diabetes
rnAcid reflux
rnNeurological disorders
rnBalance disorders
rnEye conditions
rnInjuries
rnFatigue
rnAnxiety
rnMedication side effects

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A medical issue does not automatically defeat a DUI charge, but it may explain certain observations.

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Defense 8: Not Actually Driving

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Some cases involve people found in parked vehicles.

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Legal issues may include:

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Was the person driving?
rnWas the engine on?
rnWhere were the keys?
rnWas the vehicle operable?
rnWas the person sleeping?
rnDid anyone witness driving?

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State laws vary on what counts as driving or actual physical control.

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Defense 9: Police Report vs. Video Evidence

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Police reports sometimes make a case look stronger than video shows.

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A DUI lawyer may review:

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Body camera footage
rnDash camera footage
rnBooking video
rnRoadside testing video
rnAudio recordings
rnJail observation video

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Video can confirm or contradict officer claims.

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Defense 10: Constitutional Violations

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A DUI case may involve constitutional issues such as:

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Unlawful stop
rnUnlawful search
rnImproper questioning
rnViolation of rights
rnImproper detention
rnLack of warrant where required

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A lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence if legal rights were violated.

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Final Thoughts

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A DUI defense lawyer does not rely on one-size-fits-all arguments. The defense depends on the evidence.

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Traffic stop, arrest procedure, field sobriety testing, chemical testing, video evidence, and constitutional issues all matter.

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If you are charged with DUI, get the evidence reviewed before deciding what to do next.