By Nigel Pfunde
Harare – Businessman Munyaradzi Majoni and his entity Borrowdale Valley Estates are involved in a High Court dispute concerning a US$1.51 million fire damage claim, Express Mail Zim can report.
Killarney Plaza (Pvt) Ltd, operating as Ochi Safari Lodge recently initiated legal proceedings, alleging that a 2021 fire which damaged its property and operations and caused by employees of Borrowdale Valley Estates.
The lawsuit, filed under case number HCHC89/26 in the Commercial Division of the High Court in Harare seeks to establish vicarious liability against Majoni and his company.
Killarney Plaza’s claim details damage to infrastructure and equipment, leading to a cessation of business activities and considerable financial losses over several years.
The total claim of US$1,510,345.05 includes US$289,201 for lost equipment, US$956,467.52 for business income losses and US$264,670.53 for reconstruction costs according to court papers seen by Express Mail Zim.
Additionally, the lodge is seeking 5% interest per annum from August 4, 2021 along with legal costs.
The plaintiff asserts that Majoni and Borrowdale Valley Estates initially acknowledged responsibility and committed to rebuilding damaged infrastructure and replacing lost equipment.
However, Killarney Plaza alleges that reconstruction efforts which began in 2021 stalled and were abandoned in May 2025,having only reached ring beam level.
Furthermore, it is claimed that 99% of the destroyed equipment remains unreplaced, despite follow-ups and a formal demand letter sent in October 2025.
According to court documents, Killarney Plaza expressed its disappointment:
“To date, all materials supplied has only managed to rebuild the structure upto Ring Beam Level. Builders chiseled the building walls in preparation for the installation of the Electricity Tubing in May 2025. The 1 and 2nd Defendants left the site in May 2025 and they never returned to complete the works. There are no prospects that the 1 and 2nd Defendants would fulfill the contractual obligations.”
The declaration also states: “Ninety-Nine Percent of the lost equipment has not been replaced to date.”
A demand letter sent to Majoni on October 23 2025, reportedly received no response despite acknowledged receipt.
The list of unreplaced equipment is extensive, covering refrigeration units, tents, televisions, generators, plumbing materials and casino equipment such as slot machines, gaming tables and server systems.
Killarney Plaza maintains that the failure to complete restoration works necessitated the legal action.
Conversely, in a flip flop, Majoni and Borrowdale Valley Estates dispute liability, contending that the fire was a veld fire that spread without their negligence. They have also raised an objection to Majoni’s personal inclusion in the case, arguing improper citation and lack of a valid cause of action against him individually. They further claim that the demand for lost business income is time-barred, as it pertains to events from 2021.
On the merits, the defendants challenge the plaintiff’s account and the valuation of damages. They argue that the equipment was not new at the time of the fire and that the basis for loss valuation is unsubstantiated. They also assert insufficient proof of business operations or income to support the claim for lost earnings. Questions have also been raised regarding the legality of some damaged structures, suggesting an unapproved thatched building might have contributed to the fire’s spread. While acknowledging voluntary assistance provided, they deny it constitutes an admission of liability or a binding agreement, stating they have no outstanding obligations and seek dismissal of the claim with costs.
