Zanu PF 'thugs' convicted of invading farm

Four Zanu-PF activists who invaded CMED boss Davison Mhaka's farm and later threatened to beat up police officers who tried to drive them out were yesterday convicted of unlawful occupation and resisting arrest by peace officers.

The farm is situated on the outskirts of Gweru

Gweru provincial magistrate Mrs Pathekile Msipa found the four guilty of the offence and sentenced them to a wholly suspended six months in prison.

Chinhoyi area prosecutor Herald Matura represented the state after Gweru prosecutors were reportedly "too afraid" to take up the matter.

The four, Gibson Nyere, (39), Martha Koki (40), Veleni Siziba (47), and Togarepi Masuva had pleaded not guilty to both counts.   Two months were suspended on condition of good behaviour.

The other two months were suspended on condition that they vacate the farm upon release from custody.  

The remaining two months were suspended on condition that they pay $200 fine. Matura told the court that in 2011 the four invaded Mhaka's farm and erected huts.

They refused to vacate the farm.

Matura said on 7 January police officers from Gweru Rural Police Station visited the farm and tried to arrest the four but they resisted arrest and fled.

The four were arrested on a later date following a surprise raid by the police.