Zephania Dlamini, a scientist working at Nust, Siphosami Malunga, the son of late nationalist Sydney Malunga and Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) director, and businessman Charles Moyo, the co-owners of Esidakeni farm in Nyamandlovu have been dragged to court over an alleged assault of a rival.
Dumisani Madzivanyati claims that he sustained head injuries after he was allegedly struck with an iron rod early this month by co-owners of the highly contested farm also known as Kershelmar Farm in Matabeleland North province.
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In a written statement to the police, Madzivanyati, a National University of Science and Technology (Nust) said:
At around 12:00 hours, the accused persons came to where I was and asked what I was doing at their farm. I replied that I was the owner of the farm and they passed. At around 13:00 hours, the accused persons came back to where I was working and started recording a video.
I asked them what was transpiring and Dlamini started insulting me, stating that he was the rightful owner of the farm and also said… What you are trying to do with your government will fail because this case is in the courts.
All the accused persons assaulted me. They struck me once on the head with an iron rod, once on the right arm with an unknown object, grabbed my T-shirt and struck me with fists all over the body.
They also uprooted my fencing poles and took my wires, then cut them into pieces.
A medical affidavit, now used as an exhibit, signed by a United Bulawayo Hospital doctor stated that Madzivanyati still has a pending investigation (brain CT scan) to be reviewed by the general surgeon.
The matter is pending in court.
Meanwhile, Dlamini, Moyo and Malunga have approached the Bulawayo High Court challenging the acquisition of the farm by the government.
More: Pindula News; NewsDay