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Fidelis Munyoro Chief Court Reporter
Former Glen Avilin Estate owners have challenged the acquisition of their land, which was allocated to Bindura University of Science Education last week, arguing that Government did not follow court processes. Government allocated the farm to Bindura University as part of efforts to increase food productivity and subsidise students’ food.

The farm was owned by trustees of the SOS Children’s Village Association of Zimbabwe, a charitable organisation caring for more than 6 500 vulnerable orphaned children in homes and schools in Bindura.

SOS says the children under its care in Bindura are fed from agricultural produce from Glen Avilin Estate.
In the High Court application filed under a certificate of urgency, SOS lists Mashonaland Central Minister of State Advocate Martin Dinha, Lands and Rural Resettlement Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora and Attorney-General Mr Johannes Tomana as respondents.

Through their lawyer, Advocate Isaiah Mureriwa, SOS wants a provisional order compelling Bindura University to vacate the farm pending finalisation of the dispute.

The matter will be heard before Justice Martin Mafusire tomorrow.
In a speech read on his behalf at the handover of the farm last week, Adv Dinha said the 540 hectare farm was critical for the university.
He said the land could be used to create a model farm to advance teaching, learning, research and extension services.

About 215ha of the farm is irrigable, with permanent underground piping.
University Vice Chancellor Professor Eddie Mwenje said the farm would mostly benefit the 850 students under the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Science.