By Romeo Takundwa
Dinde Residence Association Vice Chairperson, Never Tshuma who was arrested on 15 April 2021 on allegations of inciting public violence after Katambe community members stormed Beifa Investment’s coal exploration site, is appearing in court today.
Never Tshuma is facing two counts of contravening section 187 as read with section 36 (1) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 09:23.
He was remanded out of custody on ZWL$10 000.
The Dinde community is sternly opposed to the coal exploration project and insists that they were not involved ‘in the formulation and implementation of development plans that affect them’ as provided for in Section 13 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
For defending his land rights, Never Tshuma was banished by the court from setting foot in his rural home until the matter has been resolved.
His continued placement on remand and failure to take the matter to trial denies him access to his family and also infringes on his freedom of movement and also cultural rights.
However, calls for the withdrawal of Tshuma’s case have been on the rise with Civil Society Organisations and Hwange legislator and the Dinde community citing a clear violation of the constitution.
Last month the Dinde community picketed outside the Hwange Magistrate Court demanding that the charges be dropped.