Seke ward 11 councillor Patson Chipunza (Zanu PF), was
remanded in custody to July 11. The magistrate ruled that Chipunza was not a
good candidate for bail, stating that he may influence State witnesses.
He further said Chipunza was a flight risk and could
abscond trial.
In opposing bail, investigating officer Kingston Zivanai
said Chipunza had another case in Beatrice which is under investigation.
Zivanai told the court that Chipunza has other cases at the
Chitungwiza Magistrates Court involving the same farm, hence he was likely to
commit cases of a similar nature.
Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi alleged that in December 2002, the
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development ministry allocated
Subdivision 1 of Earling Farm in Beatrice, measuring 347 hectares to Midzi.
When Midzi died, the farm was never reallocated to anyone,
hence it is part of his estate.
