An American investor has appealed to the Police Commissioner-General to intervene in a dispute with her business partner, alleging police inaction and possible collusion after repeated court absences by the latter.
Yuxin Zhang, also known as Jessie, is a 50% shareholder and director of Cosmopolitan Restaurant and Bar in Harare, alongside Wenjing Cao (alias Vicky). The partnership has deteriorated into multiple legal disputes involving allegations of fraud, forgery, and contempt of court.
In a March 31 letter, Yuxin’s lawyer, Tendai Rusinahama, raised concerns over what he described as irregular handling of the cases by police. He noted that both parties were expected in court on March 30, but proceedings were abruptly halted after police indicated the dockets had been recalled by a superior officer.
Yuxin’s legal team said her partner and representatives did not come to the police station and court, while Zhang alone had been summoned. They argued this, along with a lack of communication from investigating officers, suggested possible interference and undermined confidence in the process.
The dispute also includes a contempt of court complaint. Zhang alleges her partner and company staff ignored a court order granting her access to business records, conduct classified as a criminal offence under Zimbabwean law. Several accused individuals reportedly failed to attend scheduled court hearings despite prior assurances they would.
According to Yuxin, her partner has repeatedly claimed protection from senior police officials and openly defied court directives. She further alleges that the lack of enforcement has lent credibility to these claims.
“I respectfully request intervention to ensure these matters proceed in accordance with the law and without delay,” Zhang wrote, adding that continued non-compliance risks eroding trust in law enforcement.
The business at the centre of the dispute, Melon Bay Trading (trading as Cosmopolitan Restaurant), operates from premises owned by Yuxin’s family trust. She alleges rental income was collected but not remitted, and that she was sidelined from operations, including being denied access to the premises until a court order was secured.
Wenjing Cao’s lawyer declined to comment, while police have not responded to requests for clarification at the time of publication.