The Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) has given top lawyer Wilson Manase 10 days to explain why he failed to finalise the execution of the estate of the late businesswoman Jane Maisiri who died 22 years ago or risk being dragged to a disciplinary hearing.
Manase of Manase and Manase Legal Practitioners was appointed executor of the late Jane Maisiri’s estate in 2022.
Maisiri’s son, Tongai Mhlanga, is accusing Manase of abusing the estate by selling and renting out properties belonging to the late businesswoman without consulting her family.
The top lawyer was allegedly not remitting the funds to the beneficiaries and failed to account for money in Maisiri’s offshore account.
It is alleged that Manase's son Taremedzwa is occupying one of the deceased's houses.
The deceased's family has since written to the Master of the High Court requesting the removal of Manase pending the determination of their case by the LSZ.
In a letter dated October 7, 2024, LSZ executive secretary Edward Mapara asked Manase to explain his steps to wind off the estate.
Mapara also demanded answers about the stalled transfer of movable properties to the beneficiaries.
"What are your comments regarding the allegation that your son, Taremedzwa Manase is occupying one of the properties which belong to the deceased estate," part of the letter reads.
"Please let us have your response within the next 10 days of this letter, failing which, we may proceed to refer the matter to the disciplinary and ethics committee for consideration without any further reference to you."
According to Mhlanga, Manase failed to account for several vehicles and residential properties.
Manase has also allegedly failed to account for £45 000 in a Barclays Bank account in the United Kingdom.
Mhlanga said he was supposed to benefit from a house along Harare’s Samora Machel Avenue valued at US$350 000, but to date, the property has not been transferred to him.
Manase is also alleged to have failed to list some of the assets, including stand 8822 St Johns Way, Sotherton, valued at US$300 000.
The family alleged someone was already developing the stand and when approached, he claimed he bought the property from Manase.
Manase also allegedly sold the Marondera shop and never remitted the money to the beneficiaries.
Other listed beneficiaries are Frank Maisiri, Abigail Mhlanga, Isabel Mhlanga, Jessica Madzimure, Hazel Madzimure and Nyasha Madzimure.
The estate wrangle has been dragging on for months and on August 16, Manase was picked up by the police’s Commercial Crime Division at ZRP Tomlinson Depot for questioning.
He was released the same day with the law enforcement agents ordering him to bring some documents for further investigations into the estate dispute.