Harare, (New Ziana) – The Mutare Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday convicted 20 individuals for unlawfully occupying gazetted land at Steakloop Farm in Burma Valley.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the accused, whose ages range from 24 to 60, faced serious charges stemming from their unauthorized occupation of the property, which began in 2021.
The defendants, identified as Peter Gore (33), Talent Buwerimwe (29), Fungai Hamundiwane (37), Gift Matanga (42), Samuel Siiwa (60), Anesu Mundonde (24), Moses Mukorera (35), Alington Muzeki (48), Tommy Chinhenga (52), Ereck Makukutu (55), Kudakwashe Rakabopa (41), Clemence Chirigo (39), Advance Tembo (42), Mathew Matemhe (49), Isaac Chimhenga (40), Ndazowana Jakachira (43), Washington Kind (35), and Noel Munaka (28), were brought before the court after the landowner raised concerns about their presence.
The complainant took action after multiple warnings for the occupants to vacate the land were ignored, prompting the farm owner to report the matter to police. Authorities subsequently requested documentation from the accused to prove their right to occupy the land, but the defendants were unable to provide the necessary land offer letters.
In its ruling, the court imposed a fine of USD 200 on each convicted individual, with an alternative sentence of 20 days imprisonment for those unable to pay. Additionally, the court ordered all defendants to pack their belongings and vacate the gazetted land by November 25, 2024.
New Ziana
