4 jailed for defying court order

Four people from Beatrice, who recently escaped a three-month jail term each for unlawfully occupying Cholo Farm on condition that they vacate the farm, have been sentenced to six months in prison each for defying the court order.

Gaison Chawumani (45) was jointly charged with Juliet Mandisodza, Plaxedes Kanduku and Liston Shumba after they remained on the farm.

The court order compelled them to vacate the farm by the end of June this year after they were convicted of unlawful occupation by a Chitungwiza magistrate.

They were facing charges under the Gazetted Land (Consequential Provisions) Chapter 20:20; Occupation of Land Without Lawful Authority.

The four were arrested and pleaded guilty to contempt of court when they appeared before Chitungwiza resident magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei.

Mr Ndirowei slapped them with a nine months jail term each, but conditionally set aside three months for five years.

Mr Edmond Ndambakuwa prosecuted.