Gweru magistrate, Beaulity Dube, has dismissed an application for discharge by a local miner and businessman who is facing fraud and forgery charges alongside his wife.
According to the state, Charles Simbi allegedly used his wife, Zodwa, 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.
In dismissing the application, Dube ruled that the couple had a case to answer and should be put to their defence.
She said the state had managed to prove a prima-facie case against the duo, hence they should explain the basis of their defence against that of the state.
Dube remanded the matter to October 3 for continuation of trial.
Through their lawyer, the Simbis had made an application for discharge at the close of the state's case citing lack of evidence in the matter.
The state alleged that Simbi used his wife to forge an offer letter, which was allegedly used to claim ownership of the land.
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But the couple denied the charges, arguing that they were among a group of beneficiaries resettled by a committee from the Midlands war veterans and were, therefore, improperly singled out among other resettled farmers.
They alleged malice on the part of some state witnesses whom they said were interested in the disputed occupied land.
