THE complainant in a case against Gweru miner and businessman Charles Simbi has told the court that he never made a report to the police on allegations of fraud and forgery.
Simbi and his wife Zodwa appeared in court on Wednesday facing fraud and forgery charges.
According to the State, Simbi allegedly used his wife to forge an offer letter on part of Kanuck Farm, located along the Gweru-Shurugwi Road. The farm is said to be owned by prominent Gweru businessman Melvin van Gopal.
Testifying under cross-examination by the accused’s defence lawyer Esau Mandipa, van Gopal said he never reported the couple to the police on allegations of fraud and forgery .
Van Gopal said he only reported that there were people who were illegally resettled at his farm.
He said only the police could answer that and maintained that he never made a report based on the above-mentioned allegations.
The settlers were granted temporary permits in 2014 and Simbi is one of the beneficiaries.
The case between the settlers and van Gopal is pending at the High Court.
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After cross-examination, Mandipa indicated to Gweru magistrate Beaulity Dube that he would make an application to have the case dismissed. The magistrate said she would make her ruling in the application today.
Allegations are that last May, Simbi used his wife to forge an offer letter for the 10-hectare plot, where gold was discovered, which offer letter he used to claim ownership of the land.
