Dinha's arrest opens can of worms

The recent arrest of Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs minister Martin Dinha over charges of criminal abuse of office, bribery and money laundering, has opened a can of worms, as it emerged some holders of offer letters for Tzoro Farm in Centenary, have been denied access to the land as government officials allegedly sought to protect former owner Guy Frank Dollar.

Dinha, who is also chairperson of the province's lands committee, appeared at the Bindura Magistrates Court two weeks ago and was remanded out of custody to October 19 this year for full trial at the High Court.

He is alleged to have demanded $60 000 from Dollar as protection fee to enable him to retain his Tzoro Farm that had been compulsorily acquired by the State in 2002.