SIXTY-SIX Masvingo villagers, who were arrested for settling at the Mutirikwi Dam basin, have been released on $100 000 bail each.They were arrested on January 22 and charged with settling within a prohibited dam basin as defined in section 56(20) of the Water Act.
The villagers started staying at the dam basin in 2000.In a report on Tuesday, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said the villagers were released on bail when they appeared in court.
They were being represented by ZLHR lawyer Frank Chirairo.The villagers were ordered to continue residing at their given residential addresses until their matter is finalised.
The matter was remanded to January 29 when their trial is scheduled to commence.Zimbabwe National Water Authority is cited as the complainant and is being represented by Trust Mvurume in the matter.
