Brother Convicted for Faking Mother’s Will in $181K Estate Grab
A Kariba man who forged his late mother’s will to steal an estate worth over US$181,000 has been convicted, ending a bitter 13-year inheritance war that pitted brother against sister in a courtroom showdown.
Gregory Graham Hall, 50, was found guilty of fraud and forgery by Harare Magistrate Sandra Mupindu after a full trial.
He was remanded in custody and is expected to be sentenced on Wednesday, October 29.
The case dates back to November 3, 2010, when Noreece Lesley Hall died at her home on Cecil Road in Greendale, Harare.
Soon after her death, Gregory submitted a will dated May 21, 2008, which named him as the sole beneficiary.
Acting on the document, the Master of the High Court granted him full control of the estate.
But in March 2022, Gregory’s sister, Melanie Jane Hall, 52, visited the office of Executor Dative Rodgers Matsikidze and was shown the will.
She immediately spotted irregularities and raised alarm.
“The signature didn’t match my mother’s handwriting. I recognised Gregory’s writing, especially where he inserted his name as the sole heir,” Melanie said.
She reported the matter to police, triggering a formal investigation.
A Questioned Document Expert confirmed her suspicions, concluding that the signature was forged and that Gregory had written sections of the will himself.
Further investigations revealed that the two witnesses listed on the will had never seen Noreece sign it.
Both testified that Gregory had approached them with the document already completed, casting doubt on its authenticity.
According to The Herald, Gregory used the forged will to sell Stand 28 Bridgeway Mews in Avondale for US$111,029.25.
He also claimed US$70,000 from the deceased’s 2.4 percent share in Stand 1667, Salisbury Township — bringing the total prejudice to US$181,029.25.
The estate also included flats in Bridgeways and Sutherland Heights.
In a separate complaint, the estate — represented by Executor Dative Rodgers Matsikidze accused Gregory of misappropriating estate funds.
Prosecutor Zvikomborero Mupasa presented overwhelming evidence, including expert analysis and witness testimony, which led to Gregory’s conviction on both counts.
The court ruled that Gregory had deliberately forged the will to defraud his sister and unlawfully enrich himself.
His sentencing is expected to bring closure to a long-standing family feud that has simmered for more than a decade.
