adminLeonard Ncube Senior Reporter
TWENTY-FIVE villagers from Woodlands Farm who were arrested for demonstrating at Victoria Falls Police Station have appeared in court, charged with allegedly promoting public violence. They are alleged to have stormed the police station on Monday carrying placards.
The 25 include Grace Sangarwe, 54, Anna Nhliziyo, 52, Similo Ncube, 33, Muriye Betty Munkombwe, 67, Esnath Ngwenya, 60, Ida Moyo, 57, Lita Mudzingwa, 54, Lizzy Moyo, 58, Onica Nkomo, 56 and Sithembiso Sibanda, 52.
Victoria Falls resident magistrate Sharon Rosemani on Tuesday granted those above 50 years of age bail on their own cognisance while those below 50 were released on $50 bail.
The 25 are part of the 118 villagers who benefited from the land reform programme at Woodlands Farm outside Victoria Falls Town in 2002, but lost their hunting claims through a provisional High Court order issued last week in favour of Word of Advice.
Prosecutors say on June 2, at about 11:10AM, the 25 went to demonstrate in front of Victoria Falls Police Station in a matter arising from the fight over the control of the safari business.
“On June 2, at about 11:10AM, they went and demonstrated at the police car park raising placards that carried insulting messages,” reads part of their charge sheet.
The 25 were charged for promoting public violence as they protested carrying placards some of which threatened a 4th Chimurenga.
“Police please remove those poaching clients in Woodlands, Bulawayo High Court and police you are supporting corruption, we want our money,” some of the messages on the placards read.
The others messages said: “We got Woodlands Farm from government, not from a court order and summons, Don’t betray Woodlands farmers, work without fear or favour.”
Online Reporter