The ManicaPost
Tanyaradzwa Mujati
Post Reporter
A MUTARE man recently appeared before Mutare Magistrates’ Court for illegally occupying a gazetted farm.
Sony Manyande (60) appeared before Mutare magistrate, Ms Prisca Manhibi charged with using or occupying gazetted land without lawful authority as defined in Section 3, subsection 4 as read with Section 3, subsection 1 of the Gazetted Land (Consequential provisions) Act, Chapter 20:28.
He was represented by Mr Muchabaya Mareyanadzo of Chikamhi and Mareyanadzo Law Firm, while Ms Loice Kadenha prosecuted.
Manyande was remanded out of custody on $80 000 bail to January 13, 2023.
Ms Kadenha said in November 2017 and to date, Manyande knowingly that he does not have an offer letter, a permit or a land settlement lease, unlawfully used or occupied land without lawful authority at Fairholme Farm, Toronto in Penhalonga.
“The Fairholme Farm is registered in the name of Peter L. Hurrel which is situated in Mutasa District of Manicaland, measuring 146.76 hectares and was gazetted for resettlement.
“ On October 24, 2003, Mrs Manditawepi Chimene was given an offer letter by the then Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement to settle on the farm,” said Ms Kadenha.
The court heard that sometime in November 2017, Manyande illegally settled at the farm.
He erected some structures and a cattle kraal pen for his cattle and started carrying out farming activities.
“To date, the accused person is still carrying out farming activities at the farm. The accused person does not have an offer letter, permit or land settlement lease to occupy the gazetted land,” she said.
