Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-02-24 05:49:51
Shock As Elderly, Youths Targeted In Zim’s Renewed Evictions And Displacements
Several elderly people, who are in their advanced age, are among dozens of villagers in Gwanda, Matabeleland South province, facing prosecution for illegally occupying state land without lawful authority. The group of 180 villagers, which includes individuals ranging from a nonagenarian to youths, was arrested on 7th February 2024 by Zimbabwe Republic Police officers. They were summarily charged with occupying gazetted land without lawful authority, as defined in the Gazetted Land Consequential Provisions.
The prosecutors alleged that these villagers, who reside in Nyandeni community in Gwanda North, unlawfully held, used, or occupied land at Hollins Block Estate in Gwanda without lawful authority. Following their arrest, the 180 villagers spent two nights in police detention and were released on 9th February 2024 after their lawyers, Jabulani Mhlanga from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and Mitchell Chigova from Mabhikwa and Partners Legal Practitioners challenged the legality of their arrest. The lawyers argued that the arrests were not supported by sufficient evidence and were more investigative in nature rather than prosecutorial.
Subsequently, the villagers were summoned to appear at Gwanda Magistrates Court on 23rd February 2024 where prosecutors sought to place them on remand. However, their legal representatives contested this move, and the court was yet to make a ruling on the matter by late Friday.
The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of elderly individuals and youths in Zimbabwe, particularly in cases of land disputes and evictions. The elderly members of the community, including those in their nineties, eighties, seventies, and sixties, deserve respect and protection of their rights, especially when it comes to issues of land ownership and occupation.
It is crucial for the authorities to ensure that due process is followed in such cases and that the rights of all individuals, regardless of their age or social status, are upheld. The legal system should provide adequate protection for vulnerable groups like the elderly and youths, who may be disproportionately affected by evictions and displacements.
The role of lawyers and legal practitioners in defending the rights of these villagers is paramount in ensuring justice and fairness in the legal process. Organizations like Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights play a crucial role in advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and holding authorities accountable for their actions.
As the case unfolds in Gwanda, it serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by vulnerable groups in Zimbabwe and the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens. It is essential for the authorities to address land disputes and evictions in a fair and transparent manner, taking into consideration the needs and rights of all individuals involved.
This incident highlights the need for greater awareness and advocacy around the issues of land rights and property ownership in Zimbabwe, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly and youths. It is crucial for civil society organizations, legal practitioners, and the government to work together to ensure that justice is served and the rights of all individuals are respected and protected.
Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye
