adminLuthando Mapepa Post Correspondent
A 41-YEAR-OLD Chipinge woman is in trouble for allegedly setting ablaze 23 hectares of gum trees worth $40 000 owned by Ratelshook Estate.
Shamiso Ayami of Peg Number 5, Jumburu Farm under Chief Mutema’s area, appeared before Chipinge magistrate Mr Noah Gwatidzo on Wednesday facing charges of contravening Section 78 of the Forestry Act (19.85)
She pleaded not guilty to the offence.
In her defence, Ayami said she had burnt residue in her maize field in preparation of the planting season.
“Your Worship, I deny the charge because I only burnt some weeds which were in my farm which is close to the gum plantation. I am surprised to see Ratelshoek Estate pinpointing me as the culprit.
How can I set ablaze the estate yet there is a 10m fire-guard that separates my farm and the gum estate?” she said. Representing the State, Ms Edith Phiri said on August 29 around 9pm, Ayami left an unattended fire which she had set without anyone’s authority. The fire allegedly spread into the estate where a total of 23 hectares were burnt.
However, Mr Gwatidzo adjourned the matter to November 14 when experts from EMA and Forestry Commission are expected to testify.
Online Reporter