US2million Housing Scandal: EX DANet boss Masokowere and Sauramba Nabbed in Mutare

By Staff Reporter

MUTARE – Zimbabwe’s justice system has once again demonstrated that the rule of law applies to everyone, regardless of perceived influence, financial strength or political connections, following the arrest and detention of former Destiny of Afrika Network (DANet) trustee Wilson Masokowere and his associate, Temba Sauramba, over alleged theft of trust property.

The matter is being investigated under ZRP Mutare Central CR. 188/07/2026, where the accused are facing two counts of Theft of Trust Property.

According to the police case reference:Count 1: Alleged theft involving US$189,000, reportedly linked to withdrawals from a DANet CBZ Bank account. Count 2: Alleged theft involving property valued at US$1.8 million.

The arrests follow years of legal disputes between Masokowere and the DANet leadership, disputes that repeatedly found their way before the courts.

Speaking after the arrests today, DANet Founder and President Rev. Dr. Obedia Musindo said the latest developments affirm that justice cannot be defeated through intimidation or influence.

“This case sends a clear message that no amount of money, intimidation or perceived influence can override the law. We have always believed that truth would eventually prevail through the courts. Zimbabwe’s judiciary has once again demonstrated that justice belongs to the law and not to individuals,” said Rev Musindo.

He further alleged that Masokowere remained at the organisation’s Mutare offices despite court rulings declaring that he was no longer a trustee.

“Wilson Masokowere ceased to be a trustee in 2022. Despite clear court pronouncements, he continued operating as though he still possessed trustee authority. The organisation demanded a forensic audit, but he resisted. That resistance eventually resulted in numerous legal proceedings whose outcomes consistently affirmed the organisation’s position,” Rev Musindo added.

According to Rev Musindo, DANet’s leadership alleges that Masokowere abused his position by making unilateral financial and administrative decisions without organisational authority.

These allegations include allocating residential stands outside established organisational procedures, appointing suppliers and auditors independently, financing legal expenses using organisational funds, and allegedly disposing of organisational assets without approval.Rev Musindo further alleged that more than 500 bona fide DANet members were prejudiced after allegedly losing residential stands for which they had made subscription payments.

He said the organisation’s policy provides for refunds where members fail to obtain allocated stands, but many members allegedly never received either their stands or reimbursements.

“Many victims have continued approaching the organisation seeking intervention. Their complaints ultimately compelled DANet to pursue legal remedies. We believe every complainant deserves an opportunity to be heard before the law,” Musindo said.

The organisation also alleges that Masokowere resisted several court processes and appeals before ultimately losing key legal battles. One of the significant judgments cited by DANet is a ruling by Justice Mambara, which, according to the organisation, reaffirmed that Masokowere was no longer a trustee of the organisation.

The latest criminal proceedings come after a succession of civil litigation between the parties. However, the final determination of the present criminal allegations will rest with the courts after the conclusion of investigations and trial proceedings.

The Law Applies EquallyZimbabwe’s Constitution establishes the rule of law as one of the country’s founding constitutional values. Furthermore, Section 56 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe guarantees equality before the law and equal protection and benefit of the law for every person.

The allegations under investigation also relate to offences provided for under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23], including offences involving theft and abuse of entrusted property.

The law provides that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court, while also ensuring that alleged offences involving trust property are investigated and prosecuted where sufficient evidence exists.

Legal analysts have often noted that criminal investigations involving trust property are intended to protect organisations and members from the unlawful diversion of assets, regardless of the status or influence of those accused.

The arrest of Masokowere and Sauramba therefore reinforces the principle that allegations of financial crime must be tested before the courts through due legal process rather than through claims of influence or status.

As investigations continue under ZRP Mutare Central CR. 188/07/2026, both accused remain entitled to all constitutional protections afforded to every accused person, including the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

The duo is expected to appear in Court tomorrow. Previously, Justice Jacob Manzunzu upheld DANet’s dismissal of Wilson Masokowere, ruled he was no longer an employee, barred him from entering DANet’s Mutare offices, and allowed the Sheriff to remove him from the premises.

He also ordered punitive costs against Masokowere after finding his urgent application lacked urgency.Another report states DANet alleged Masokowere defied the High Court order and resisted enforcement when court officials attempted to execute it. ##