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Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
SEVEN executive members of Zvimba East Veteran Investment Company (ZEVIC) have appeared in court for allegedly invading Porta Farm in Zvimba East and illegally parcelling out residential stands, including stands they had pegged on a school playground.
Joe Chimonyo (67), Muoni Conellious (59), Israel Gasa (42), Agnes Siyakurima (54), Deliwe Muvhuti (65), Elina Chasi (64) and Solomon Nasho (66), appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Dennis Mangosi charged with unlawfully carrying out developments.
They were remanded in custody to Monday for their bail applications.
Prosecutor Mr Rufaro Chonzi said the accused used their influential positions to peg and sell stands for sale without local authority approval, violating the Regional Town and Country Planning Act.
The alleged scam came to light after Parklands Primary School discovered their earmarked playground area had been pegged for development. They also discovered that roads had been opened through the school grounds.
The seven were arrested following an investigation by law enforcement agents.
Meanwhile, a man from Musonza village, Tadias Dube (45), appeared before the same magistrate for allegedly invading a Manyame Rural District Council wetland and selling land to home-seekers.
Dube is accused of collaborating with 12 others who are still at large and misrepresenting that they were owners of the land between Kuora and Musonza villages.
The scam was exposed when Kuora village head reported suspicious developments to police.
On Thursday, law enforcement agents investigated and confirmed the illegal activities.
Dube was arrested after evidence linked him to the illegal distribution of land.
Investigations are continuing with the hope of apprehending outstanding suspects.
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