Suspected land barons threatening State witnesses, court told

Prosper Dembedza

Herald Correspondent

Former Member of Parliament for Mount Pleasant, Jason Passade, has alleged that Eastwind Trust owners Rodgers Pote (43) and Trymore Arineshito (39) threatened State witnesses who testified in a case in which the pair are facing charges of contempt of court and carrying out development without approval on an illegal settlement.

During cross-examination, Pasade said he knew the accused persons not only in connection with this case but also as land barons at Melfort Farm, Ruwa.

He said in 2020, his company entered into an agreement to develop land on behalf of the Freedom Fighters Development Trust.

Pasade said his company started to carry out developments. Roads were opened while most developments were already at an advanced stage.

However, the accused persons started illegally selling and allocating stands in the area.

Pasade’ company allegedly went to court and acquired a High Court order which gave him the authority to remove the illegally settled people.

However, the accused persons did not vacate the stands, contrary to the court order.

Prosecutor Takudzwa Mutyavaviri said on 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 Pasade.