A man from Ruwa appeared in court on Thursday, 29 May, facing charges of public violence after chaos broke out as authorities were evicting illegal settlers from a local farm.
Garikai Chirambadare stood before Harare provincial magistrate Ruth Moyo, who remanded him in custody until Friday, when his bail application is expected to be heard.
The incident took place at Cloverdale Farm, where Chirambadare is accused of taking part in a violent standoff with police and other officials carrying out a lawful eviction.
According to state prosecutor Nomsa Kangara, the clashes happened on 16 May, when Chirambadare and a group of settlers resisted eviction under a High Court order (HCH2294/24).
The eviction team included the Deputy Sheriff, the Police Reaction Group, the Duty Uniform Branch, the Support Unit and even the Canine Unit.
It’s alleged that the settlers blocked the Harare-Mutare Highway with burning tyres, logs, and trenches, making the farm inaccessible.
When police moved in to break up the protest, things turned ugly. Teargas was reportedly used, some officers were injured, and traffic was brought to a standstill.
Chirambadare is also accused of grabbing a firearm from one of the police officers during the chaos and running away. Police officers later tracked him and recovered the gun.
He’s facing charges under section 36(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23], for allegedly participating in acts of public violence.
More: NewsDay
Thanks ZRP for recovering the gun it was going to be used in armed robbery