By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
Harare — A 50-year-old Kariba-based businessman, Gregory Graham Hall, has been hauled before the courts on charges of forgery and fraud after allegedly attempting to claim sole ownership of his late mother’s estate, which is valued at US$181,000.
Hall appeared before Regional Magistrate Mrs. Sandra Mupindu and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case, being prosecuted by Mr. Zvikomborero Mupasa, centers on the death of Noreece Lesley Hall, who passed away on November 3, 2010, at her residence at No. 4 Cecil Road, Greendale, Harare.
At the time of her death, she owned valuable properties, including flats at Bridgeways and Sutherland Heights.
Following her passing, Hall allegedly submitted a forged will dated May 21, 2008, to the Master of the High Court, claiming it had been signed by his mother. The document named him as the sole beneficiary of the estate.
The alleged fraud came to light on March 18, 2022, when Noreece’s daughter, Melanie Jane Hall, visited the executor dative, Rodgers Matsikidze.
She noticed irregularities in the will and immediately suspected the signature and handwriting were not her mother’s, but her brother’s.
Melanie promptly alerted Matsikidze, who then reported the matter to the police. A formal investigation was launched, and the estate—already registered in Hall’s name—came under scrutiny.
Authorities examined the contested will and compared the signature to verified samples of Noreece’s handwriting.
Further investigation led to two witnesses who were listed on the will. Both individuals confirmed they had not witnessed Noreece signing the document and admitted Hall had coerced them into endorsing it.
As a result of the alleged forgery, Gregory Hall reportedly received US$111,029.25 from the sale of a property at No. 28 Bridgeway Mews, Avondale, and a 2.4% stake in another property valued at US$70,000.
The case has attracted public interest, spotlighting issues around estate management, family inheritance disputes, and the authenticity of will documentation.
Court proceedings are ongoing, with the State set to present additional evidence.
Hall continues to deny all allegations.
About Author
