Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
THE trial of suspected land barons and owners of Eastwind Trust, Rodgers Pote (43) and Trymore Arineshito (39), who are facing charges of contempt of court and carrying out development without approval on an illegal settlement, might start afresh following the resignation of the presiding magistrate, Mr Tapiwa Banda, from service.
Pote and Arineshito are on their defence case after the presiding magistrate ruled that they have a case to answer.
During previous proceesings City of Harare housing director, Mr Addmore Nhekairo, disowned Pote and Arineshito, saying he never allocated them any land in Mabvuku-Donnybrooke.
State chief witness, Mr Jason Pasade, had told the court that the two were disowned by Harare City Council’s director of housing in an affidavit.
He said Arineshito and Pote were ordered by the High Court to vacate the premises, but defied the order.
Mr Pasade produced an affidavit written by the city’s director of housing, Mr Addmore Nhekairo, in which he said he never allocated them any land.
He said he knew the accused persons not only in connection with this case but also as land barons at Melfort Farm, Ruwa.
Mr Pasade said in 2020, his company agreed to develop land on behalf of the Freedom Fighters Development Trust.
He said his company started to carry out development with roads constructed, while most infrastructure was already at an advanced stage.
However, the accused persons started illegally selling and allocating stands in the area.
Mr Pasade’s company went to court and acquired a High Court order giving the authority to remove the illegally settled people.
The accused persons did not vacate the stands contrary to the court order. It is the State’s case that in November 2023, the High Court issued a provisional order against Eastwind Trust.
After the order was granted, the accused were served by the Sheriff but continued invading the area in violation of the order.
The complainant is Homegram Investments Limited, represented by Mr Pasade
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