Zimbabwe’s former President Robert Mugabe died with $10m (£7.7m) cash in the bank, a legal letter from his daughter quoted by state media says. But he appears not to have left a will, according to the family’s lawyer.
Mugabe, who died in September aged 95, was ousted in 2017 after 37 years in power. Separately, the UN has said it is expanding its operation in the country as about half of Zimbabwe’s population faces severe hunger.
There had always been rumours about Mugabe’s wealth, including him owning a Scottish castle and a $1m property in Asia. But there was no mention of these in a letter by his daughter, Bona Chikowore, to the high court.
Some other assets, including four houses, 10 cars, a farm and an orchard are listed, but lawyer Terrence Hussein told the BBC “none of the properties… are in his name”.
Two houses in upmarket suburbs of the capital, Harare, are in the name of the governing Zanu-PF party, Mr Hussein said. “The 10 cars are a vintage car collection which frankly had value only to him,” Mr Hussein added.
Ms Chikowore’s letter makes no mention of other farms that Mugabe had been reported to have gained ownership of after they were seized during the country’s controversial land reform programme.
But per the dictate of customs and traditions in Zimbabwe, if a person dies without a will, the assets are divided between the spouse and children. Mugabe is survived by his wife, Grace, and four children.
Source : ghanaweb.com
