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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
A total of 99 villagers who were accused of illegally occupying Fox and Woolendale Farms in Matobo district in Matabeleland South province, were yesterday released after the State withdrew charges against them before plea.
The villagers were set to appear at the Gwanda Magistrates’ Court yesterday for plea recording and trial.
They had been dragged to court by the Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement after being accused of occupying gazetted land. Representing the State, Mr Moses Gondongwe said the charge which had been laid against the villagers was inappropriate and the matter was supposed to be resolved at the civil court.
“The accused persons have been charged with contravening Section 3 (1) of the Gazetted Land (consequential provisions) Act. This section however governs the eviction of former owners from gazetted land and not people who invade land,” he said. “This is a civil matter and the relevant authority can apply for eviction at the civil court. Therefore the State wishes to withdraw charges before plea.”
Provincial magistrate, Mr Willard Maphios Moyo withdrew the charges of unlawful occupation of gazetted land against the villagers.
@DubeMatutu
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