Prominent Former Zimbabwean banker, economist, and Anglican bishop Dr. Julius Tawona Makoni has lost his Chisipite mansion in Harare following a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe, which upheld the enforcement of a foreign divorce judgment from the United Kingdom.
The Supreme Court ruling brings finality to a bitter property dispute with his estranged wife, Pauline Mutsa Makoni, following their separation in October 2010 after nearly three decades of marriage.
The couple married in 1983 and had two daughters. A third child was born out of wedlock by Makoni in 1996. Pauline filed for divorce in the UK in 2010, and a final order, including a property settlement, was granted in 2014 by the High Court of Justice (Family Division), England.
The judgment awarded Pauline several assets, including the Chisipite home at No. 5 Rietfontein Close and another property in Chishawasha Hills. Dr. Makoni opposed enforcement of this ruling in Zimbabwe, citing jurisdictional and public policy concerns.
In March 2023, the High Court of Zimbabwe sided with Makoni, declaring that the UK court’s distribution of the matrimonial home contradicted Zimbabwean public policy.
However, Pauline appealed the decision, and in October 2023, the Supreme Court delivered a decisive judgment in her favor.
Key Supreme Court Findings:
Appeal allowed with costs.
High Court ruling overturned.
The UK divorce judgment and its financial orders were recognized for enforcement in Zimbabwe.
Dr. Makoni was ordered to transfer the following properties to Pauline:
No. 5 Rietfontein Close, Chisipite
Stand 159, Chishawasha Hills Township
The Sheriff was authorized to act if Makoni failed to sign over the properties within 7 days.
Makoni was also ordered to pay legal and transfer costs.
Legal Representation
Pauline Makoni was represented by Advocate Thabani Mpofu.
Julius Makoni was represented by Professor Welshman Ncube and Advocate Lewis Uriri.
Profile: Dr. Julius Makoni
Dr. Makoni is a well-known figure in Zimbabwean and international finance. He:
Founded NMB Bank Zimbabwe and served as its CEO (1995–2004).
Co-founded London Trust Bank in the UK.
Served at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., and Bankers Trust in London.
Was appointed Anglican Bishop of Manicaland in 2009.
Holds multiple degrees including a PhD in International Finance (Cambridge) and postgraduate qualifications in Theology.
Owned a portfolio of high-value London properties, including homes in Kensington and Hampton Road.
Marriage, Wealth & Dispute
During their marriage, the Makonis accumulated significant wealth across Zimbabwe and the UK. The divorce proceedings, initiated under UK family law, involved extensive international legal arguments over jurisdiction, public policy, and marital property rights.
This case sets a critical precedent for cross-border enforcement of family court decisions in Zimbabwe. It signals the country’s growing legal alignment with international standards, particularly in areas of divorce, matrimonial property, and women’s property rights.
