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Fidelis Munyoro Chief Court Reporter
Forty sugarcane farmers reportedly lost more than US$400 000 to Canelands Trust Chiredzi after being duped into making contributions towards a revolving fund to finance their crop re-adaption in the Lowveld.
The trial of Canelands Trust, which was set to start this week, was postponed following a meeting between the defence lawyer, Ms Ross Chavi of Magwaliba and Kwirira law firm, and the prosecutor, Mr Liberty Hove, at Chiredzi Magistrates’ Court.
Mr Clement Kwirira, a senior partner in the law firm who is based in Harare, confirmed the trial was stalled after the prosecution indicated that investigations were still continuing in the case.
“A report from our Chiredzi office says Mr Hove indicated investigations are still ongoing because there are new complainants coming up,” said Mr Kwirira.
“Indications are that investigations will be completed by 30th September following which our client will be summoned and a trial date set thereafter.”
Charges against Canelands Trust, being represented by Salesio Mawere, arose during the year 2009 after the Trust, which had been donor funded by the European Union, approached the Mkwasine-based farmers and funded their sugarcane re-adaption.
It is alleged that Canelands Trust later approached the farmers in February 2011 whom it advised, and misrepresented to them that it had formulated a revolving fund for their contribution and upkeep.
According to the prosecution, the Trust made the farmers to contribute their monies to the revolving fund, which did not exist.
The farmers, the prosecution said, allegedly acted upon the Canelands Trust’s misrepresentations, resulting in them losing US$475 599,84.
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