Viral Tears vs. Corporate Reality: Gray Homes Breaks Silence on Kariba Kitchen Saga
Harare / Kariba — What began as a heart-wrenching viral video of a woman in tears has evolved into a complex legal and public relations standoff. Gray Homes Construction, a prominent name in local property development, has officially broken its silence following accusations of fraud involving a US$2,500 deposit. In a detailed rebuttal, the company claims the narrative is a "gross distortion," shifting the blame back to a client they say expected a comprehensive home renovation on a budget originally allocated for simple kitchen cabinetry.
The saga has ignited a fierce debate regarding consumer rights versus contractual reality in Zimbabwe’s booming construction sector. While the complainant’s emotional appeal suggests a David-and-Goliath battle of a "duped" homeowner, Gray Homes maintains that "scope creep" is the true culprit. The company asserts that the US$2,500 payment was specifically for a kitchen cupboard installation, yet the client allegedly demanded structural additions that far exceeded the financial commitment. As both parties dig in their heels, the case is quickly becoming a cautionary tale for the Zimbabwean diaspora and local property seekers alike on the importance of iron-clad service level agreements.
SECTOR WATCH: Construction disputes in Zimbabwe are on the rise, with "misaligned expectations" cited as the leading cause of litigation in 2026.
A Woman's Tears
The saga began with a video from Letwin Chitemere that quickly went viral. In the emotional footage, Chitemere breaks down in tears, accusing Gray Homes Construction of misconduct.
She claims she paid US$2,500 to the company for a project at her Kariba property—money she alleges disappeared with "little to show for it."
Gray Homes Respond
Gray Homes insists the public narrative is distorted. In a statement, they clarified that the client initially approached them solely for the installation of kitchen cupboards at their Kariba Round House property.
However, the company alleges that the scope changed drastically during the assessment phase.
“Upon further engagements and assessment, it became evident that the clients’ expectations were different from the initial request and extended to the construction of a full house within a budget of US$3,500,” the company stated.
The Financial Gap
After evaluating the new request to build a full structure, Gray Homes determined the project was not feasible within the client's proposed budget.
The company claims they presented a revised quotation reflecting the actual cost, advising the client that additional funding would be needed beyond the US$2,500 already paid. The client reportedly indicated they could not meet these financial adjustments.
The Path to Resolution
In a move to de-escalate the situation, Gray Homes Construction has reaffirmed its commitment to "ethical business practices and professional guidance," despite the significant damage to its online reputation. The company maintains that its initial engagement with the client was handled in good faith, citing a history of successful projects that contradict the current viral allegations. By shifting the focus from public rebuttals to internal mediation, the firm aims to prove that transparent communication—rather than social media pressure—is the most effective tool for resolving complex construction disputes.
Management has officially confirmed an upcoming sit-down with the aggrieved client to harmonize the mismatched expectations regarding the US$2,500 project scope. "We remain committed to protecting the integrity of our brand while ensuring our clients receive value commensurate with their investment," the company stated. This scheduled intervention is being viewed by industry insiders as a critical litmus test for Gray Homes, as they look to salvage their corporate standing and provide a definitive answer to the "Kariba Kitchen" saga that has captivated the nation.
Sona Headlines Investigative Report: Protecting Consumer Interests & Business Integrity.
Source: Corporate Statement and Independent Field Reporting.
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