A Chinhoyi entrepreneur has challenged his criminal conviction for allegedly occupying farmland owned by white commercial farmer Bosman Daniel Brink in Makonde. Thomas Chidzomba contests both the guilty verdict and penalty at the Chinhoyi High Court, arguing insufficient evidence supported the magistrate's decision to convict him while acquitting 19 co-accused individuals.
Chidzomba received a fine and eviction order from Magistrate Franklin Mkwananzi for violating gazetted lands legislation. His legal representatives maintain that prosecutors failed to prove occupation during the specified timeframe, and the lower court improperly considered developments on the property that fell outside the charged period.
The magistrate defended the conviction, noting that Chidzomba maintained infrastructure, vehicles, and livestock on the disputed acreage. The conflict emerged after a land authorization document was revoked and authorities directed the group to leave the property, yet construction and fencing activities allegedly continued on the idle farm spanning 28 hectares.
Chidzomba received a fine and eviction order from Magistrate Franklin Mkwananzi for violating gazetted lands legislation. His legal representatives maintain that prosecutors failed to prove occupation during the specified timeframe, and the lower court improperly considered developments on the property that fell outside the charged period.
The magistrate defended the conviction, noting that Chidzomba maintained infrastructure, vehicles, and livestock on the disputed acreage. The conflict emerged after a land authorization document was revoked and authorities directed the group to leave the property, yet construction and fencing activities allegedly continued on the idle farm spanning 28 hectares.
