News / National
Zanu-PF losing candidate nabbed for farm invasion
15 hrs ago | Views
The losing Zanu-PF candidate for Bulawayo Central in the August 2023 elections, Tendai Charuka, and his brother Tawanda have been arrested for allegedly invading a farm to conduct mining activities without the owner's approval.
The Charuka brothers appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Ernest Muzembi, facing charges of criminal trespass. They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail, with their trial set to continue on February 28.
In his defense, Tendai Charuka claimed that he had been funding mining operations at the farm with the knowledge and consent of the complainant, Charles Mabhena.
"The charges were as a result of a contractual fallout between us and Mabhena, and at the time of the alleged crime, I was not in Bulawayo," Charuka argued in court.
According to the prosecution, on November 2, 2024, the Charuka brothers allegedly scaled a perimeter fence and illegally entered Lootkraal Farm in Emhlangeni, Bulawayo, with the intention of engaging in gold mining.
The court heard that the accused threatened farm workers with machetes, causing them to flee in fear. One of the workers, Nkosilathi Sikhosana, reportedly called Mabhena, who then instructed him to report the matter to the police.
A police report was subsequently filed, leading to the arrest of the Charuka brothers.
The case has drawn attention due to Charuka's political affiliation and the broader issue of illegal mining activities in Zimbabwe.
The Charuka brothers appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Ernest Muzembi, facing charges of criminal trespass. They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail, with their trial set to continue on February 28.
In his defense, Tendai Charuka claimed that he had been funding mining operations at the farm with the knowledge and consent of the complainant, Charles Mabhena.
"The charges were as a result of a contractual fallout between us and Mabhena, and at the time of the alleged crime, I was not in Bulawayo," Charuka argued in court.
According to the prosecution, on November 2, 2024, the Charuka brothers allegedly scaled a perimeter fence and illegally entered Lootkraal Farm in Emhlangeni, Bulawayo, with the intention of engaging in gold mining.
The court heard that the accused threatened farm workers with machetes, causing them to flee in fear. One of the workers, Nkosilathi Sikhosana, reportedly called Mabhena, who then instructed him to report the matter to the police.
A police report was subsequently filed, leading to the arrest of the Charuka brothers.
The case has drawn attention due to Charuka's political affiliation and the broader issue of illegal mining activities in Zimbabwe.
Source - newsday
