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NewsDay

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Minister’s farm invaded

News
SEVEN members of Nhaka Yamadzitateguru Edu Housing Consortium, who invaded Agriculture deputy minister (livestock) Paddy Tongai Zhanda’s Caledonia Farm on the outskirts of Harare early this year, appeared in court last week facing public violence charges, after they allegedly threatened to evict the farm workers.

SEVEN members of Nhaka Yamadzitateguru Edu Housing Consortium, who invaded Agriculture deputy minister (livestock) Paddy Tongai Zhanda’s Caledonia Farm on the outskirts of Harare early this year, appeared in court last week facing public violence charges, after they allegedly threatened to evict the farm workers.

BY CHARLES LAITON

Zhanda jointly owns the farm with Leorie Dutoit.

The seven men were not asked to plead when they appeared before Harare magistrate, Francis Mapfumo last Friday and were each ordered to pay $100 bail.

According to court papers, Nhaka Yamadzitateguru Edu Housing Union (Consortium) chairperson, Obert Mukuti (37), his deputy, Zvidzayi Kawocha (42), together with Levison Tekere (32), Tawanda Dzamara (31) Edgar Chakwizira (34), Clive Mashiri (29) and Brian Madzorere (33), connived to invade Lot 1 of Caledonia Farm.

The State alleges, on the day in question, upon arrival at the farm, the gang ordered the manager, Ben Dimingo and other farm employees to vacate the premises and threatened to assault them if they resisted the order.

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The State further alleges, the gang proceeded to order Dimingo and other employees to stop all operations including closing of the butchery and a bottle store.

When Dimingo refused to close the shop, it is alleged, the gang threatened to kill him.

After the confrontation with the workers, it is alleged, the gang then ordered Dimingo to remove his locks from the butchery bottle store and gate and immediately replaced them.

They allegedly broke into the workshop, where they stole various items, before announcing that they had taken ownership of the farm.

The State alleges, the gang went ahead and harvested the farmers’ squash and ginger produce from the fields and later constructed roads after destroying sheep pens valued at $10 000.