By Staff Reporter
MASVINGO – After spending a week in remand prison, Masvingo land developers and businessmen Godard Dunira (57) and Ephraim Gwanongodza (59) were granted bail by Regional Magistrate Innocent Bepura on Thursday, October 24, following a bail hearing that drew significant public attention.
The courtroom remained closely packed throughout the three days the accused appeared in court – during their initial appearance and the two subsequent days of their bail application hearing. The proceedings attracted people from all walks of life, including family members, friends, local politicians, and media representatives, all closely following the high-profile case.
The two, who are facing fraud charges for allegedly orchestrating a land scam involving the illegal sale of stands on a property known as the Remainder of Victoria Ranch, were released under strict bail conditions.
Magistrate Bepura ordered the accused to pay US$200 bail each and to adhere to several conditions, including reporting every Friday at Masvingo Central Police Station between 6 AM and 6 PM.
They are also required to reside at their given addresses, refrain from committing similar offences, and are prohibited from interfering with state witnesses.
The duo was remanded out of custody until October 29 for their next court appearance.
The bail ruling came after a lengthy hearing where the state, represented by prosecutor Innocent Mudzingwa, had opposed bail, arguing that the accused were likely to interfere with witnesses if released.
Defence lawyers had countered that their clients were of fixed abode and had been cooperating with police throughout the investigation.
