via Zanu (PF) militia behind bars | The Zimbabwean by Brenna Matendere

A 15-member Zanu (PF) militia from Lower Gweru has been placed behind bars after it severely assaulted fellow party members over land.

The incident occurred last Tuesday at Beldons Farm in Lower Gweru after the squad, which was illegally occupying the piece of land, resisted attempts by the Ministry of Lands to resettle those who had been given offer letters.

This week the 15 appeared before Gweru magistrate Getrude Mayenyoso and were remanded in custody to September 10 on charges of public violence.

They are Mutshumeli Nyoni (23), Nodumo Zando (46), Joshua Matonsi (37), Mahlenkosi Siziba (37), Bhekimupilo Mpofu (27), Kumbulani Nyoni (46), Janet Moyo (34), Sibadala Ngwenya (29), Sifelani Mpofu (57), Coincidence Mbambo (35), Stephen Ncube (26), George Sibanda (32), Pilate Khoza (37), Nathanil Nyoka (43) and Khukulani Simango. Prosecutor Andrew Marimo told the court that on August 27 the complainants, Justin Mazinyane, Joseph Mahara, Joseph Matsika, kelvin Musindo and Takura Gumbo who reside at Torvo 2 and Hampton farm, Maboleni, Lower Gweru went to Beldons farm in the company of one Gaihai from the ministry.

The purpose for the visit was to show the five the plots allocated to them after they had been given offer letters by government. Upon arrival, the 15 accused, who had allegedly occupied the land illegally, severely assaulted them with axe handles, sticks, fists before ordering them to leave the area.