Business Reporter
Once a flamboyant businessman in Bulawayo, Delma Lupepe is reportedly refusing to vacate a rented residential property despite failing to pay rent for several months.
The property, located at Number 8, Bluebird Road, Burnside, is owned by Trebo and Khays (Private) Limited, a company linked to Zanu-PF heavyweight Obert Mpofu.
Lupepe allegedly owes the property owner US$20,000 in unpaid rentals, which has been accumulating since November of last year. The situation has escalated as Lupepe has reportedly ignored an eviction notice and continues to occupy the premises.
Mthabisi Moyo, a Bulawayo man who recently signed a lease agreement for the property effective November 1, 2024, expressed his frustration, stating,
“When I arrived at the house, I found Delma still inside, refusing to move out.”
He added, “I explained that I had already paid for the lease and contacted the agent, who confirmed he owes them over $20,000 in rent arrears.”
According to the lease agreement, Trebo and Khays had leased the house to Moyo under a one-year contract beginning September 1, 2024, and terminating on September 30, 2025. The agreement clearly states the tenant’s right to occupy the house during the lease period.
Frustrated by the impasse, Moyo took matters into his own hands by blocking the gate with rubble to prevent Lupepe from entering or leaving the property.
“I’ve been paying rent for 19 days without staying in the house,” Moyo lamented. “I had no choice but to block the gate to inconvenience him.”
A heavy load of rubble surround the gate, creating significant challenges for Lupepe to access the house. Moyo mentioned that the agent had arranged temporary accommodation for him while the issue is being resolved, but he also noted,
“Delma has reported me to the police for placing the rubble, and I am scheduled to appear in court on Monday.”
Trebo and Khays confirmed that Lupepe had been issued an eviction notice due to his unpaid rentals, stating,
“He has not been paying rent and wants to live rent-free.”
The matter has now been referred to legal channels for resolution.
When contacted for comment, Lupepe professed ignorance about the situation, saying,
“I don’t know anything about that. I don’t stay at the address.”
Lupepe has a history of financial troubles, including a 2016 summons from Ecobank for US$18,000 in rental arrears and a prison sentence in 2018 for failing to repay US$280,000 owed to the bank.
His companies have faced significant financial difficulties, leading to court actions and property seizures in the past.
Zim GBC News©2024