🇿🇼ZimbabweSouthern Africa
Zanu PF politician vacates farm to avoid jail
via NewsDay Zimbabwe5 min read
Thomas Chidzomba, the losing Zanu PF Chinhoyi constituency candidate in the 2023 harmonised elections, narrowly avoided arrest for contempt of court by vacating a disputed farm. Chidzomba was accused of unlawfully occupying a portion of Dundrennam Farm in Lions’ Den, Mashonaland West province, owned by Brink Bosman, in 2024. His occupation was based on a purported power of attorney from Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission commissioner and former Makonde legislator Kindness Paradza. A court ordered Chidzomba to vacate the property, ruling his occupation unlawful. He appealed to the High Court, which upheld the lower court's decision last month, granting him 10 days to remove his property. After the deadline, Chidzomba initially only partially complied, leading Bosman to return to court, citing that a perimeter fence and gum poles remained, hindering his use of the property. Chidzomba's lawyer, Fortune Murisi, stated that his client had fully complied after some delays. To prevent arrest, Chidzomba reportedly rushed to the site and instructed villagers to remove the remaining gum poles and fencing material, clearing the property. Bosman expressed relief that the matter was resolved and he could now fully utilise his property.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe's Criminal Procedure and Evidence Amendment Bill, 2026, aims to introduce a formal legal framework for plea agreements, a process currently lacking comprehensive statutory governance in the country. This proposed legislation seeks to streamline the criminal justice system by reducing case backlogs, enhancing efficiency, and promoting fairness. Plea agreements allow an accused person to plead guilty in exchange for concessions from the prosecution, such as reduced charges or the withdrawal of certain charges. The Bill outlines when these agreements can be made, the offenses they apply to, and the roles of prosecutors and courts, while also including safeguards for accused persons and considering victims' interests. Excluded offenses include murder, sexual offenses, and crimes against the State. The Bill mandates judicial oversight, requiring court acceptance for any plea agreement to become effective. Safeguards include ensuring the accused understands the agreement, is aware of their right to a full trial, and entered the agreement voluntarily. Prosecutors must also ensure sufficient evidence for conviction and, in serious cases, legal aid must be provided if the accused cannot afford representation. Victims or their representatives should be consulted where circumstances permit. If a court rejects an agreement, it becomes null and void, and statements made during negotiations cannot be used in a subsequent trial. An appeal is generally limited to the extent or legal
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