Harare businessman Adam Wood has been acquitted of charges related to providing false information to a public official, following a ruling by magistrate Jacqueline Gara, who found no credible link between Wood and the alleged offence.
This marks the second time the matter has collapsed in court. Wood had previously been removed from remand after prosecutors failed to present sufficient evidence against him.
The case was brought forward by Elizabeth Parerenyatwa, who identifies herself as the executor of the estate of the late Brian James Rhodes. Her complaint, however, failed to convince the court, with the magistrate ruling that the State had not established any grounds to proceed with the case.
Parerenyatwa’s conduct throughout the legal process also raised concerns. At one point, she was subjected to a mental health evaluation at the request of prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi, who had noted erratic behavior during proceedings.
During the trial, Wood’s defense team argued that Parerenyatwa was attempting to use the courts to deflect attention from her own legal troubles. She reportedly faces pending forgery charges and is currently being challenged by Rhodes’ children, who are seeking to have her removed from her role as executor of their father’s estate.
In a dramatic courtroom outburst, Parerenyatwa accused prominent businessman Moses Tonderai Chingwena, the owner of Croco Motors, and his sons of illegally acquiring properties in Karoi that belonged to the late Rhodes. She alleged the transactions were based on forged documents and called on the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to launch an investigation.
Despite her allegations, the court ruled decisively in favor of Wood, underlining the State’s failure to substantiate any wrongdoing on his part.
