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Belvedere, Harare – Embattled politician and lawyer Douglas Mwonzora is facing legal and financial woes as his law firm, Mwonzora and Associates, had its office property seized last week after failing to pay rent for three months. The law firm reportedly owes US$3,750 in unpaid rentals, which accrued from July to September 2024.
Simon Denhere, the landlord of the premises located at 44 Eastcourt Road in Belvedere, initiated legal action against Mwonzora on September 19 by issuing summons for the overdue rent. Acting swiftly, Denhere secured a court order through an ex parte application at the Harare Civil Court, which allowed for the attachment of property without Mwonzora’s presence in court.
Last Tuesday, the Messenger of Court executed the order, seizing various items from Mwonzora’s office, including sofas, a reception desk, an office desk, four computers, two printers, office chairs, and a generator. The move was sanctioned under Section 34 of the Magistrates Court Act, a provision designed to prevent tenants from absconding without settling rental debts.
Denhere is not stopping there—he has also applied for the law firm’s eviction and is demanding an additional US$1,250 in holding-over damages. Mwonzora must pay this amount to reclaim his confiscated property.
Mwonzora, however, is not taking the matter lightly. The politician has filed an urgent chamber application to contest the legality of the landlord’s ex parte approach. He argues that Denhere’s application was unnecessary and insists the Messenger of Court acted improperly by confiscating critical case files belonging to his clients.
Mwonzora contends that the attachment of files disrupts his legal practice and negatively affects clients who have no connection to the rental dispute. The hearing for his application to discharge Section 34 of the Magistrates Court Act is scheduled for tomorrow.
The case sheds light on the mounting pressures facing the veteran politician, who has been embroiled in multiple controversies in recent years. With eviction looming and a potential loss of crucial office equipment, Mwonzora finds himself battling to keep both his legal practice and his reputation intact.
The outcome of tomorrow’s court hearing could determine whether the beleaguered lawyer-politician can reclaim his assets and continue operating from the Belvedere premises—or if this is the final chapter for his law firm at its current location.
