Zanu PF Activists Released on Bail- Magistrate Kudzanai Kapurura has granted bail to a group of Zanu PF activists accused of unlawfully occupying gazetted land in Chinhoyi, amid a highly charged political and legal atmosphere. The accused include Thomas Chidzomba, a prominent party figure who unsuccessfully contested the Chinhoyi parliamentary seat in the August 2023 general elections, and fellow party member Esau Chizombe.
The group was released on bail set at US$100 each, following a court appearance earlier this week. As part of their bail conditions, the Zanu PF accused have been ordered to reside at their listed addresses, report to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Chinhoyi once every two weeks, and to avoid any contact or interference with state witnesses.
The case revolves around the alleged illegal occupation of a portion of Dandrennam Farm, owned by Brink Bosman, a matter that has generated significant local interest and reignited longstanding tensions over land use and redistribution. The property in question lies on the outskirts of Chinhoyi and has reportedly been subject to multiple land disputes in recent years.
The court also considered a formal request from Chidzomba’s legal counsel, Advocate Ngonidzaishe Charewa of Murisi and Partners, to allow four of Chidzomba’s workers—Tafadzwa Manjani, Patrick Gomo, Marunga Phiri, and Jonathan Rusike—to remain on-site at the disputed farm for the purpose of safeguarding property pending finalisation of the case. Magistrate Kapurura granted the request, noting that the preservation of property and the prevention of further disputes was in the interest of justice.
Zanu PF Activists Granted Bail Over Alleged Land Occupation in Chinhoyi
Other individuals who were part of the group facing charges, including Bruno Elias, John Kagare, and Norbert Mawere—who had been arrested earlier in the month—were also granted bail under similar conditions.
The accused had previously faced similar allegations related to the same farm. They were arrested last month on charges of unlawful occupation of state land; however, those initial charges were later withdrawn by the prosecution, prompting speculation about political interference. The withdrawal of the earlier case did not, however, stop the police from re-arresting the group shortly afterward on what appear to be renewed charges based on similar facts.
The state, represented by prosecutor Grace Zhou, argued against bail, citing concerns over potential witness tampering and public unrest. However, the defence countered that the accused were prominent community members with no history of absconding and that the charges were politically motivated, stemming from intra-party disputes and land allocation politics in Mashonaland West.
Zanu PF insiders suggest that internal factional struggles could be influencing the legal developments, with some alleging that Chidzomba’s growing influence in the province has unsettled rival political figures. The case has therefore drawn significant attention not only because of the land issue but also due to its potential political ramifications within the ruling party’s provincial structures.
Zanu PF activists granted bail
While the matter remains before the courts, legal analysts note that it reflects the broader issues of contested land ownership, unclear land tenure rights, and the ongoing challenges in implementing land reform policies that have plagued Zimbabwe for over two decades.
The Zanu PF accused are scheduled to return to court on July 3, when trial proceedings are expected to begin. Legal observers anticipate that the case could set an important precedent for how similar land disputes are handled in the future, particularly involving politically connected individuals.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations and human rights advocates have urged the government to ensure transparency in land allocation and to uphold the rule of law, regardless of political affiliation. They argue that such cases highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive land audit and clearer enforcement of land tenure laws to prevent arbitrary occupations and political manipulation of land disputes.
For now, the spotlight remains on Chinhoyi as the court gears up to hear what could be a landmark case, with both political and legal implications for Zimbabwe’s evolving land and governance landscape.
Source- Bulawayo24
