Zanu PF activists clash over land

Politics
Zanu PF activists in Lower Gweru allegedly clashed over pieces of land allocated to them resulting in some of them getting seriously injured in the process, Southern Eye has learnt.

GWERU — Zanu PF activists in Lower Gweru allegedly clashed over pieces of land allocated to them resulting in some of them getting seriously injured in the process, Southern Eye has learnt.

STEPHEN CHADENGA

The incident occurred last Tuesday at Beldons Farm, Lower Gweru, after 15 illegal occupants at the farm resisted attempts by the Lands ministry to resettle those who had been given offer letters to the plots.

The 15 occupants yesterday appeared before Gweru magistrate Getrude Mayenyoso and were remanded in custody to today to answer to public violence charges.

The accused Mtshumayeli Nyoni (23), Nodumo Zando (46), Joshua Matonsi (37), Mandlenkosi Siziba (37), Bhekimpilo Mpofu (27), Khumbulani Nyoni (46), Janet Moyo (34), Sibadala Ngwenya (29), Sifelani Mpofu (57), Coincidence Mbambo (35), Stephen Ncube (26), George Sibanda (32), Pilate Khoza (37), Nathaniel Nyoka (43) and Khulani Simango allegedly assaulted five complainants who had been offered land where they had settled.

It is the State’s case that on August 27, the complainants Justin Mazinyane, Joseph Mahara, Joseph Matsika, Kelvin Musindo and Takura Gumbo, who reside at Torvo 2 and Hampton Farm in Maboleni, Lower Gweru, went to Beldons Farm in the company of an official only identified as Gaihai from the Lands ministry.

The purpose for the visit was to show the five the plots allocated to them after they had been given offer letters.

The accused persons, who had allegedly occupied the land illegally, approached the complainants and assaulted them with axe handles, sticks and fists, before they ordered them to leave the area.

The complainants sustained serious injuries as a result of the attack, as indicated on their medical reports.

A report was made to the police, leading to the arrest of the accused persons. Medical reports and small axes were produced in court as exhibits.

Andrew Marimo prosecuted.