Villagers invade government farm

A GROUP of nine villagers from areas around Mbalabala farming area allegedly invaded Mziki Farm, a Government property in Umzingwane district where they destroyed trees and other vegetation. They then allegedly allocated themselves stands for their homesteads.

Ayisha Moyo, Misheck Dube, Lameck Khumalo, Peter Ndlovu, Marvelous Ndlovu, Patricia Sibanda, Forget Mtimi, Phineas Chipfobore and Nokuthula Nkomo have since appeared before Esigodini magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube to answer to charges of illegally invading a Government farm to resettle themselves without going through proper procedures.

The nine pleaded not guilty but were all remanded in custody to today for trial.

The State alleges that between 1 and 27 June, the nine accused invaded Mziki Farm which the Government allocated to 35 members of Phambililokuthula Cooperative.

It is further alleged that upon invading the farm, the nine proceeded to cut and burn down trees in preparation of building their homesteads.
Some of the accused persons had allegedly put up a few structures.

The matter was reported to the police leading to the arrest of the nine villagers.

Mr Eric Murinye is representing the State.