News / National
Land invaders jailed for unlawfully occupying farm
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Five illegal settlers in Hurungwe district, Mashonaland West province, have each been sentenced to a one-month jail term for unlawfully occupying Bonanza farm in Tengwe. The group, comprising Itai Mwale (42), Misheck Mwale (36), Richard Ziwonye (42), Potgetier Mwaze (40), and Isaak Dabvu (33), was recently brought before a Karoi magistrate facing charges of illegally occupying land that had been gazetted for resettlement under Zimbabwe's A1 model scheme.
The court heard that Bonanza farm had been allocated to intended beneficiaries by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development as part of the country's land reform program. However, from 2012 to November 28, 2014, the accused unlawfully invaded the property, constructing various structures and engaging in farming activities without any legal resettlement offer letters or permits.
The accused individuals were found guilty of occupying the land without authorization from the relevant ministry. In his ruling, the presiding magistrate ordered the group to vacate Bonanza farm by January 31, 2025.
Along with the eviction order, the court sentenced each of the five men to four months' imprisonment. However, three months of the sentence were suspended for five years on the condition of good behavior, meaning the individuals will each serve one month in jail.
The sentencing underscores the government's commitment to upholding the land reform process and ensuring that only those with legal entitlements occupy resettled land.
The court heard that Bonanza farm had been allocated to intended beneficiaries by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development as part of the country's land reform program. However, from 2012 to November 28, 2014, the accused unlawfully invaded the property, constructing various structures and engaging in farming activities without any legal resettlement offer letters or permits.
Along with the eviction order, the court sentenced each of the five men to four months' imprisonment. However, three months of the sentence were suspended for five years on the condition of good behavior, meaning the individuals will each serve one month in jail.
The sentencing underscores the government's commitment to upholding the land reform process and ensuring that only those with legal entitlements occupy resettled land.
Source - NewZimbabwe
