adminMelody Baya Court Reporter
A BULAWAYO businessman and politician, Kidwell Mujuru, has appeared in court facing charges of starting a veld fire that destroyed approximately 121 hectares of grass and trees in Umguza.
Mujuru who appeared before Marylyn Mutshina, pleaded not guilty and was remanded out of custody to November 17.
In his defence, Mujuru, a losing parliamentary hopeful who defected from the MDC-T to Zanu-PF earlier this year, said he could not have started the fire as he was nowhere near the area when the incident occurred.
Chris Follwell and Printah Nkala own Standish Farm whose grazing land was destroyed by the fire.
“Mr Follwell and I are neighbours. When the incident happened I was actually in Luveve suburb at my sports bar. I was phoned by my manager, Sydney, and he told me there was a veld fire,” said Mujuru.
He said when he asked them who had started the fire, they told him that one Xolani Sibanda passed by the plot and soon after he left, they noticed the fire.
Prosecuting, Kudakwashe Jaravaza told the court that on October 8, 2015 at Standish Farm Umguza which is owned by Follwell and Nkala, Kidwell Mujuru allegedly lit or assisted in lighting the fire which spread and destroyed grass and trees.
He also said that Environment Management Agency (EMA) officers said approximately 121 hectares were destroyed by the fire.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter