Zimbabwean businessman Grant Chitate, director of Probadek Investments Pvt Ltd, has been a central figure in a number of high-profile legal and business disputes. His name has surfaced in cases ranging from complex mining conflicts to fraud allegations and even accusations of threatening a fellow businessman.
The Redwing Mine Dispute
One of the most prominent cases involved a bitter rivalry over the Redwing Mining Company. In 2020, Chitate’s company, Probadek Investments, entered into a joint venture agreement with Redwingās judicial manager, Cecil Madondo, securing what they believed were exclusive mining rights for a significant number of gold and copper claims. Probadek reportedly paid US200,000 in capital expenditure.
However, the agreement was thrown into chaos when Madondo also signed a separate deal for the same claims with a rival company, Betterbrands Mining, led by businessman Scott Sakupwanya. This led to a fierce legal battle, with Chitate and his associate Patricia Mutombgwera challenging the validity of the competing agreement. Probadek even went so far as to report Sakupwanya to the police. While the dispute drew the attention of Zimbabwe’s Special Anti-Corruption Unit, the courts ultimately ruled against Probadek, citing issues with the authenticity of their tribute agreement and a lack of proof of funding. The saga took another turn when Sakupwanya’s company was later expelled from the mine due to allegations of environmental damage.
Other High-Profile Cases
Chitate’s legal troubles aren’t limited to mining. In 2022, he was linked to a disturbing case where three bouncers were charged with allegedly threatening to kidnap and kill businessman William Lumumba Mutumanje (Acie Lumumba) while trying to collect a debt on Chitateās behalf.
He has also been involved in a complex financial case. In a fuel transaction from 2020, Chitate facilitated a payment of R4 million for a colleague’s grocery supplies. He was also connected to a deal with Precious Nyakujara, who was accused of failing to deliver 640,000 liters of fuel after receiving a payment of $13.25 million. Nyakujara was eventually acquitted in that matter.
These cases highlight a pattern of intense business rivalries and legal challenges that have defined a significant part of Grant Chitate’s public and professional life.
