Mujuru drawn into fight for Boka floors
Sunday, 13 February 2011 16:52
BY KUDZAI CHIMHANGWA
THE fight for the control of Boka Tobacco Auction Floors between the late
tycoon’s family and the Zimbabwe Industry Tobacco Association Centre (Zitac)
has drawn in Vice-President Joice Mujuru, who has been asked to intervene.
Zitac, which is fighting Boka Investments over the ownership of property on
the floors, says it asked Mujuru to mediate in the matter after disturbances
at the floors last Thursday.
Boka Investments alleged Zitac sent “thugs” to stop renovations at the
floors but Zitac has denied the claims.
“We are seeking intervention so that they don’t touch our property as they
are disabling everything that is functioning,” said Caleb Dengu, a Zitac
shareholder.
“We have now asked the office of Vice-President Mujuru to assist us in
coming up with an amicable solution to this matter.”
He confirmed that they held a meeting at Mujuru’s office on Friday but said
the outcome of the deliberations was “inconclusive and ongoing.”
Zitac signed a 15-year lease for the Boka Tobacco Auction Floors in 2001.
However, a legal dispute arose between the property owner, Boka Investments
and Zitac when the former decided to cancel the lease citing breach of
contract. Boka Investments won the case after it spilled into the High
Court.