Bindura farmer jailed over veldt fire

Bindura (Nehanda Guardian-New Ziana) – A Bindura farmer has been sentenced to 18 months behind bars for igniting a veldt fire that destroyed other farmers’ inputs and properties worth approximately ZWL$16 000 on Sunday.

Representing the state at the Bindura magistrates court on Tuesday, Thembinkosi Mananga said that Wicklow Handiroya (67) of Ledbury Farm Bindura on 27 October 2019 started a fire within his premises to clear land in preparation for the new farming season.

He could, however, not manage the blaze, and spread to the plot of his neighbour, Paradzai Chikundura were it burnt his tobacco seedbed, some shelled maize, tomatoes, inputs and other plastic farm implements valued at US$800.

However, Handiroya will not serve the 18 months after he managed to pay a ZWL$600 fine.

Magistrate Moreblessing Makati presided over the case.
Nehanda Guardian-New Ziana