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Prosper Dembedza

Herald Correspondent

THE trial of two men from Borrowdale suburb in Harare who erected an illegal billboard denouncing a property development company has been adjourned to April 12.

The adjournment follows an application for postponement by the defence to allow one of the accused to attend to family issues in Australia.

The State led by Mrs Shambadzeni Fungura opposed the application arguing that it was just a tactic by the accused persons to delay trial.

“It is the State’s view that the matter should be finalised on time,” said Mrs Fungura.

Grant Russell, a director of Fairclot Investments, and Mark Strathen of Paragon Printing are facing criminal nuisance charges.

It is alleged that on December 10, 2020 at around 2pm at a place opposite Celebration Centre in Borrowdale, Harare, the accused persons erected a billboard with damaging information on West Properties in a bid to tarnish its image.

It is the State’s case that Russell and Strathen caused false alarm to the public through the information which was written on the billboard.

The court heard that the billboard erected by the two had contents which were likely to interfere with ordinary comfort or convenience of the complainant’s clients.

The complainant made a report to the police leading to the pair’s arrest.

The two are challenging a High Court order to proceed with the trial after an unsuccessful attempt to have the charges quashed.

Harare magistrate Mrs Evelyn Mashavakure recently said there was no reason for the two to be removed from remand.