THE hearing for contempt of court charges against one of President Robert Mugabe’s closest aides, Ray Ndhlukula, accused of defying a High Court order barring him from evicting Figtree farmer David Connolly from his farm, has been set for October 23.
RICHARD MUPONDE SENIOR REPORTER
Connolly is embroiled in a fierce legal battle with Ndhlukula, who had been trying to move into Centenary Farm since June despite a High Court order barring him from interfering with operations at the property.
A reliable source told Southern Eye yesterday the matter would be heard before judge Justice Maxwell Takuva.
“Ndhlukula is opposing the matter and has already filed papers,” the source said.
“The matter will be heard in an open court before Justice Takuva.”
The matter will be heard on the heels of reported efforts by Ndhlukula to take over a farm belonging to David’s brother, Michael Benovullum Farm in the same area as punishment for Connolly’s lack of respect in getting a court order against him.
The new developments have sucked in President Robert Mugabe’s nephew, a top cop, Deputy Police Commissioner Innocent Matibiri. Connolly’s property is one of the most productive in Matabeleland South.
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Ndhlukula’s workers started camping at Connolly’s farm in August after the eviction of farms workers from their dwellings.
A contempt of court case against Ndhlukula was then filed at the High Court. Last month, Connolly was chased from the farm and his workers were stopped from growing crops by Ndhlukula’s workers before the farm was barricaded.
Ndhlukula reportedly has two other farms in Matabeleland South, identified as Wilfred Hope Farm in Marula and Vlakfontein — otherwise known as Subdivision 2 of Marula Block.
