separate title deeds for the same property.

There are also counter-allegations of fraud and corruption between Uni-time Investments (PVT) Ltd and Release Power Investments (PVT) Ltd.
The school was on Tuesday morning closed following clashes between officials from Herentals College and parents when the former moved in to take the property.

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The saga has also sucked in teachers’ organisations that have implored Government to intervene.
Herentals College reportedly bought the buildings and land on which the school is built from Uni-time Investments who are claiming ownership of the property.

It has, however, emerged that both Uni-time and Release Power have title deeds to the property housing the school.
Uni-time Investments has declared that they own the property as per Title Deed Number 3410/2009.

A letter from the Chief Registrar of Deeds acknowledges that there are two title deeds to the property.
Release Power Investments also claims to owns the same property through Title Deed Number 4873/2009.

The school is built on Stand Number 7953 Tynwald Township of Stand Number 7739.
A representative from the Chief Registrar of Deeds’ Office Mrs Elizabeth Mawire acknowledges in a letter written on May 5, 2011 to individuals identified as Gahadzikwa and Mupunga that the property had two title deeds.

“I am writing to confirm that the above referred stand has two title deeds which were issued for the same property to two different owners.
“However, deed number 3410/2009 did not go through the deduction process of the Surveyor General whereas deed number 4873/2009 went through deduction, both deeds were registered in this office. It is unfortunate that our system does not reject duplication of stands,” she wrote.

Mrs Mawire, however, expressed ignorance on how the two companies ended up owning one property.
“The two companies should explain what happened,” she said.

Uni-time Investments, however, argues that they exercised their right as owners of the title to sell the property to Herentals College.
“The ownership claim by Release Power Investments (PVT) Ltd is not supported by a title deed and Release Power Investments (PVT) should be brought to task as to how they ended up with such a claim,” claimed Uni-time Investments.

The company also accused Mrs Mawire of attempting to issue a second title deed to Release Power Investments.
It also claims that Mrs Mawire is failing to produce a copy of the title deed owned by Release Power Investments.

“The real issue relates to the ownership and if indeed it is proven that there are two title deeds on the same property, this is tantamount to the Ministry of Justice legalising corruption. There is no way that a single property can end up with two title deeds,” Uni-time Investments argued in a statement.

The company said they had worked well with the community and school administration since it acquired the property.
“However, a time came when Uni-time Investments (PVT) Ltd decided to sell the property and resolved to sell it to Herentals Group of Colleges who are in the business of education and better able to carry out tried and tested school administration to the benefit of the community.”

The company said there was a change of management at the school and the problems could be resolved between the new owners and the current management.
They also suggested that the staff at the school could be allowed to find employment with Herentals Group of Colleges. Release Power Investments (PVT) Ltd lawyer Mr Wilson Manase of Manase and Manase

Legal Practitioners, yesterday insisted that his clients owned the property under dispute.
“The issue is a dispute between the two parties who have been working together for a long time. It’s a civil case that can be handled in a civil manner where the parties are expected to meet and discuss the matter.

“The case could be referred to the courts if there is a disagreement,” he said.
On the issue of the missing title deed owned by Release Power Investments, Mr Manase said his client was prepared to avail the documents.

Uni-time Investments has also written to the Attorney General’s Office alleging corruption and fraudulent issuance of title deeds.
The company also attached a letter authorising the transfer of the property to Uni-time Investments.

Herentals College is also said to have challenged the Registrar of Deeds to make available a copy of the second deed.
Chief law officer Mr Chris Mutangadura yesterday said the AG’s Office had nothing to do with the matter.

“The Attorney General’s Office does not involve itself in individual disputes and I cannot comment on the issue,” he said.
Harare provincial spokesperson Inspector James Sabau, said he was not aware if any crime had been reported to the police. He, however, said police would maintain presence at the school.

“The police would remain at the school to maintain peace and order,” he said.

Meanwhile, an official from the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture yesterday said Government would continue monitoring events at the school.
“The district education officer went to the school this morning and classes are continuing without disturbances.”

The official said pupils from both parties were attending lessons without disturbances.
“There are some classes where the students are sharing facilities while some children from Herentals College are using a hall on the premises.”

She said teachers were also conducting lessons at the school.
“The school is registered and Government teachers are conducting lessons and the situation is normal,” she said.

Teachers’ unions yesterday condemned the disturbances at the school while calling for Government intervention.
Teachers Union of Zimbabwe chief executive Mr Emma-nuel Nyawo, said his organisation was disturbed by the stand-off.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe secretary general Mr Raymond Majongwe also expressed concern at the dispute at the school.

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