Beitbridge White farmers strike again

Two Beitbridge White farmers George Watson (30) and his wife Elaine Du Plooy (25) reportedly smashed workers' huts before setting them ablaze to punish them for failing to drive stray cattle from nearby villages out of their farm

The incident occurred on Tuesday midnight last week and since then the couple has been on the run, police said.

It is understood the pair had a long standing dispute with villagers from the nearby Siyoga, Madzive, Majini and newly-resettled areas over grazing lands and natural water drinking point

Watson allegedly fenced most water points and grazing land around his ranch barring livestock from nearby villages from watering or pastures.

However, the cattle and other livestock find their way to the ranch through the porous parameter fencing.

The couple is accused of beating up villagers when they tracked their stray livestock to the farm.

Police officer commanding Beitbridge district, Chief Superintendent Lawrence Chinhengo, confirmed the incident yesterday saying investigations into the case were in progress.

"We have opened investigations into the matter and the net is closing in on the couple. Preliminary investigations reveal that on May 31 at around 12 midnight, the suspects smashed three huts belonging to his workers using his white Land Cruiser," said Chief Supt Chinhengo.

He said there were seven occupants in the houses, but none of them was injured.

"He told them he was punishing them for failing to drive away stray cattle from the nearby villages which he said were grazing from his paddocks.

"After smashing the huts he went on to sprinkle petrol on the huts and their belongings which he then set on fire.

"He then went to his house and told his administration clerk who also stays in the compound to ensure that the destroyed huts were to be reconstructed before our officers arrived. He then went into hiding along with his wife Du Plooy."

A report was made at Makhadho Police Station and police have since impounded the Toyota Land cruiser he used to smash the huts.

"We hope to account for him soon since he is also facing another assault case at the courts," he said.

He said the police were appealing to anyone with information to report to the nearest police station.

"As police we will remain vigilant and we can't allow this kind of cruelty to go on. The long arm of the law will soon catch up with the suspects," said Chief Supt Chinhengo.

In another matter before the courts, the couple is facing charges of assaulting and setting dogs on two herdboys they found looking for stray donkeys in their ranch.

It is alleged that on August 27 last year, the two boys who are aged 14 and 19 went to Makhadho ranch to look for their stray donkeys.

When they were near Magumazi dam in the ranch, Du Plooy spotted them and she summoned her dogs.

She then set the dogs on the boys.

As the boys tried to flee from the marauding vicious dogs, Watson rushed to the scene. His wife reportedly grabbed the 19 year old boy and pinned him to the ground to stop him from restraining the dogs which were attacking the 14 year old boy.

As a result the 14-year-old boy sustained severe injuries on the head and buttocks.

The couple was subsequently arrested and were tried in court. They await ruling on the matter.