US$48 Million Pfugari Estate Dispute Escalates As Heirs Fight Over Control Of Vast Property Empire
The sprawling US$48 million Pfugari Estate, built over six decades by late Zimbabwean property mogul Edward Nyanyiwa Pfugari Snr, has become the centre of an increasingly bitter inheritance battle involving siblings, surviving wives, disputed company control, and allegations of estate asset plunder.
“Female children and women are mostly marginalized in estate inheritance issues. Such modularity should be corrected, as all children are equal despite gender.”
PROPERTY PORTFOLIO
Inside The Massive Pfugari Estate Empire
The estate is regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s largest privately held property portfolios and remains undistributed more than five years after the death of Edward Nyanyiwa Pfugari Snr in 2019.
Key Estate Assets
Whitecliffe Farm, Knowe suburb in Norton, Beatrice Restaurant & Butchery, Harare CBD commercial buildings, and multiple residential developments remain central to the inheritance dispute.
Development Potential
Legal experts say the estate’s Norton and Harare land bank remains highly valuable for future commercial development and resale opportunities.
Born in Chiweshe in 1934 to a polygamous father, Eddies Nyanyiwa Pfugari relocated to Salisbury (now Harare) in the 1950s. He began his career as a driver for a departmental store on First Street before venturing to South Africa.
Upon his return to Zimbabwe in 1962, Pfugari purchased his first house in Egypt, Highfields, using his savings. Shortly after, he fell ill but was healed through the prayers of Guta ra Jehovha (GRJ), a church he subsequently devoted himself to. He adopted the GRJ khaki uniform, wearing it everyday until his death in 2019 at age 84.
Building The Empire
His entrepreneurial journey took off when he opened his first restaurant at Charge Office in 1978, followed by a butchery in 1979. He acquired Beatrice Evington (Samaita) farm, sold it for Red Acre Farm in Norton, and established the popular Knowe suburb. Knowe attracted individuals like music legend Oliver Mtukudzi.
Harare CBD & Whitecliff
Pfugari also bought, renovated, and resold old houses in Harare, developing 14 cluster houses in Highlands and acquiring properties on Mbuya Nehanda Street. In 1998, he acquired Whitecliff Farm, winning a subsequent Supreme Court case against the government.
FAMILY DIVISIONS
Naume Makumbe Speaks Out Against Alleged Exclusion
Pfugari's personal life included multiple marriages: his first wife in South Africa around 1953, his second wife Mildred Tabani in 1963, and a third marriage in 2010. His passing left behind a deeply divided family now battling over the future of the estate.
First Marriage In South Africa
Pfugari reportedly entered his first marriage in South Africa around 1953 before the relationship later ended in divorce.
Mildred Tabani Marriage (1963)
His second marriage to Mildred Tabani became one of the foundation pillars of the family empire and produced several children now involved in the inheritance dispute.
Third Marriage In 2010
Pfugari later remarried again in 2010, adding further layers to the complex family and beneficiary structure surrounding the estate.
Estate Control Allegations
Naume Makumbe alleges that Edward Nyanyiwa Jnr assumed unilateral control of family companies while sidelining other beneficiaries from decision-making processes.
Whitecliffe Confrontation
Tensions escalated after Makumbe confronted directors at Whitecliffe, accusing parts of the family faction of making major estate decisions without broader consultation.
Stephen Nyanyiwa
Named among the beneficiaries allegedly excluded from estate administration and company operations.
Henrietta Nyanyiwa
Identified by Makumbe as one of the siblings seeking equal recognition and involvement in estate matters.
Itai Collier
Listed among the heirs involved in the broader inheritance and estate governance dispute.
Naume Makumbe
Has become one of the strongest public critics of how the estate is allegedly being managed and distributed.
Edward Nyanyiwa Jnr
Central figure in the estate battle and accused by siblings of consolidating operational control over family companies.
Alleged Intimidation
Makumbe claims some family members requesting meetings regarding company operations were threatened, removed from premises, handcuffed and arrested.
HIGH COURT PROCEEDINGS
Executors, Access Orders & Estate Litigation
The High Court reportedly ruled that no beneficiaries should be denied access to estate properties or business premises.
Executor Removed
Former executor Clever Mandizvidza was removed after allegations emerged that he worked alongside Edward Jnr in disposing estate assets and charging excessive fees.
New Executor Appointed
Although a new executor has since been appointed, estate distribution remains incomplete, leaving multiple assets under legal uncertainty.
CONTROVERSIAL DEMOLITIONS
Whitecliffe Structures Destroyed Amid Estate Tensions
Tensions have erupted at Whitecliffe Farm following the demolition of buildings ordered allegedly by estate director Edward Nyanyiwa Jnr. Makumbe alleges that structures at Whitecliffe were demolished without broader family consultation and that the actions were authorised by Edward Jnr in his personal capacity.
The family claims legal representatives connected to the demolitions are allegedly related to Hazel Selina, further intensifying mistrust among beneficiaries.
Eddie’s Pfugari Property Private Limited has recently demolished illegal structures along the servitude of Bulawayo Road in Whitecliff, including home industries and informal businesses, following years of protracted land invasions and violations of a High Court order by invaders.
Yesterday, houses and shops in the area known as paWhiteHouse in Harare were demolished. This demolition occurred after the occupants lost a court case against the owner, Eddie Pfugari Property Developers. The entire area from Puma to Madhadha saw properties demolished, leaving many residents counting losses.
“Pfugari is not heartless. We are open to engagement with residents, but it must be bound by a legal framework.”
Speaking to ZiFM Stereo News ahead of the Community Dialogue programme, Advocate Simango added that the company’s actions are part of a necessary reclamation of commercial land. He said the company is committed to working with the Government to replace unregulated sprawl with formalised, modern markets equipped with proper sanitation.
PUBLIC WARNING
Potential Buyers Warned Over Estate Transactions
The demolitions follow a long-standing dispute involving a syndicate of six individuals who reportedly invoked the ruling Zanu PF party’s name to exert influence while allegedly duping residents and foreign nationals out of more than US$20,000.
Foreigners Targeted
Chinese nationals are reportedly among those who paid for year-long home industry spaces to the suspected land barons.
Residents allegedly ignored written notices warning them about the impending demolitions after being assured by these barons that no action would be taken under false promises of political protection. Citizens should be aware that ZANU-PF chairpersons do not own land in Harare. Buying land from them is at your own risk.
Naume Makumbe warned members of the public against purchasing properties allegedly being sold through Eddies Pfugari Properties Pvt Ltd before estate distribution is finalized. She warns the public that the estate has not been distributed and that any sales or demolitions are illegal.
“We would advise anyone buying from these so-called directors to be warned that these sales are illegal as they are part of a deceased estate.”
Legal analysts note that transactions involving unresolved deceased estates may later be nullified by the courts if conducted without proper authority, highlighting the dangers of buying land through unofficial channels. The company maintains that those behind the Whitecliff invasions will soon face the full wrath of the law.
INHERITANCE RIGHTS
Gender Equality Debate Emerges In Estate Fight
Makumbe framed the ongoing dispute as part of a wider societal issue where female children are often marginalized during inheritance proceedings.
She further urged the family to pursue unity and amicable resolution rather than prolonged courtroom battles that continue dividing surviving relatives.
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A Legacy Still Locked In Court
What began as a family inheritance matter has evolved into one of Zimbabwe’s most closely watched estate battles. With disputed shareholding claims, unresolved company control, allegations of intimidation, and concerns over the rights of female beneficiaries, the Pfugari Estate saga now represents both a legal and social battle over wealth, legacy, and fairness.
Furthermore, the recent demolitions at Whitecliffe highlight the severe intersection of unresolved inheritance and the national crisis of land barons. For now, the estate remains under legal scrutiny as courts and the Master of the High Court continue overseeing one of the country’s most valuable private property portfolios.
