Elvis Dumba
Banket – Cosmas Washayanyika and his accomplices, including his son, accused of kidnapping a police officer and resisting an eviction order from a disputed Plot 3 Lea Farm in Nyabira have been denied bail by Banket Magistrate Rumbidzai Chigodora who said the group is facing a serious accusation as the group have been threatening some of the witnesses.
Represented by Douglas Mwonzora, taking instructions from human rights defender Linda Masarira, the group was remanded in custody to 7 August 2025.
The 47-year-old Washayanyika, is being charged together with his son Collins, 25, both of 69 New Stands, Nyabira; Chidochashe Sibanda, 35, of 1054 Gletwin, Chishawasha; Michael Zhuwawo, 26, whose address was given as ZPCS Prison Farm, Mutare and Enock Murambidza of Plot 3 Lea Farm.
Zimbabwe Republic Police National Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi was forced to make a statement after Linda Masarira had taken to social media accusing the police of human rights violations as they were trying to evict Washayanyika without a court order and arrested them through inhumane treatment, Masarira claimed that the police were taking instructions from an interested party, a one Carol Gordon.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has taken note of alleged social media posts by Human Rights Defenders in connection with purported disturbances at Lea Farm, Nyabira.
The correct position is that the case falls under the purview of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development who have legally withdrawn the offer letter issued to Cosmas Washayanyika.
Therefore, any complaints or queries should be directed to the relevant ministry, Cosmas Washayanyika, and five others were arrested by the Zimbabwe Republic Police for assaulting and kidnapping police officers.
The Police are only coming in to maintain law and order while the relevant ministry is resolving all the land contestations.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police appeals to the human rights organizations to tell the public the truth and verify information with Police Commanders before posting unverified facts on social media platforms.” he said
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