The trial of controversial land baron Ken Sharpe’s confederate Michael John Van Blerk is back in court tomorrow, (September 22, 2021), the trial was recently postponed on the grounds that his Lawyer was not available and he had an application to make before the Courts.
The West Properties Managing Director Michael John Van Blerk is facing perjury charges arising from a sworn affidavit before the High Court of Zimbabwe in October 2018.
Allegations are that on the 2nd of October 2018 at the High Court of Zimbabwe Civil Division, Harare, Van Blerk, in his own capacity and representing Pokugara Properties filed a falsely written statement in case HC 8943/18.
“In that on the 2nd of October 2018 and at High Court of Zimbabwe Civil Division, Harare, Michael John Van Blerk in his personal capacity and as well as the Managing Director representative of 2nd accused jointly filed a false written statement in case HC8943/18 knowingly or realizing that there was a real risk or possibility that the statement was false that is to say one or both of accused persons tendered an affidavit sworn to by 1st accused in case HC8943/18 and lied in that affidavit that the show house in question was built without approved building plan by City of Harare yet in actual fact the copy of the said plan shows that it was approved by City of Harare,” reads part of the state papers.
Suspended City of Harare Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango is also accused of lying in an affidavit that there was no payment that was made to the 2nd accused person (Harare City Council) for approval of building plans which were attached to land developer George Katsimberis’ founding affidavit when in fact a payment of US$3,707 had been processed.
West Properties CEO, Kenneth Raydon Sharpe is currently at large and believed to be hiding in Mauritius with his confidante of Russian origin Tatiana (Aleshina) Ellis doing most of the business on his behalf.
The self-exiled Sharpe is facing a litany of charges ranging from money laundering and corruption emanating from shoddy land dealings worthy US$2 billion.
His companies which include Augur Investments OU, West Properties and Sunshine Development are under litigation.
He has not set foot in the country since 2017 and is on the anti-corruption unit wanted list.