Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
The trial for suspected Eastwind land barons Rodgers Pote and Trymore Arineshito on charges of contempt of court and carrying out development without approval on an illegal settlement will now resume on December 5.
During the previous court sittings, City of Harare housing director Addmore Nhekairo disowned Pote and Arineshito, saying he never allocated them any land in Mabvuku-Donnybrooke.
Testifying before Harare magistrate Mr Tapiwa Banda, Mr Nhekairo said he did not know of any offer letter that was issued to Eastwind concerning any land in Mabvuku- Donnybrooke.
Responding to a question from the State on how he would respond if Pote and Arineshito told the court that they have permission to occupy that land, Mr Nhekairo said he will dispute that because they haven’t been recommended by the regularisation task force for regularisation.
During cross-examination, the defence lawyer handed over several documents to Mr Nhekairo, which she said were obtained from the council and permitted her clients to occupy the land.
Mr Nhekairo disowned all the documents, saying they were fake. He said there are numerous complaints about fake documents in circulation.
He said he does not know Eastwind and no offer letter was given to them in connection with any land in Mabvuku-Donnybrooke.
Former Mt Pleasant MP Mr Jason Pasade also told the court that Pote and Arineshito hired thugs who unleashed violence before grabbing land which his company had developed and allocated stands.
“These guys are land barons and (have) violence in their DNA, they always use violence by hiring thugs to grab land,” he said.
It is the State’s case that Mr Pasade and his company agreed to develop land on behalf of the Freedom Fighters Development Trust.
Mr Pasade said his company carried out civil works, which are at an advanced stage.
However, the accused persons started illegally selling and allocating stands in the area. Mr Pasade’ company acquired a High Court order to remove the illegally settled people.
However, the accused persons did not vacate the stands. Prosecutor Takudzwa Mutyavaviri said 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.
