Beitbridge farmer arrested for arson

Thursday, 16 June 2011 02:00
Beitbridge Bureau Chief
POLICE have arrested the Beitbridge farmer who had been on the run after he smashed his workers' tin houses and set their belongings on fire as punishment for failing to drive away cattle from his ranch.
The cattle belong to people in surrounding villages.
After committing the offence, George Watson (30) of Makhadho Ranch went into hiding along with his wife Elaine Du Plooy (25).
He was arrested after he went to the police in the company of his lawyer Mr Winston Tshakalisa last week.
The accused has a longstanding dispute with villagers from the nearby Siyoga, Madzive, Majini and newly resettled areas over grazing lands and a natural water drinking point.
The villagers allege that Watson fenced most natural water drinking points and pasture around his ranch barring livestock from the nearby villages from accessing the pastures.
However, the cattle and other livestock find their way to the ranch through the porous parameter fencing.
The villagers have long been accusing the couple of harbouring racist tendencies as they usually beat the former when they track the livestock at the farm.
Watson has since appeared before Beitbridge resident magistrate, Miss Gloria Takundwa charged with malicious damage to property.
He was remanded to June 22 on US$100 bail and ordered to surrender his passport, reside at his given address and not to interfere with State witnesses as part of the bail conditions.
Prosecutor Mr Jabulani Mberesi told the court that on the night of May 31 this year, Watson drove his Toyota Land Cruiser into three tin houses belonging to his workers.
He said seven people were sleeping in the houses.
The occupants in the houses, he said, were awaken by the impact and escaped unhurt.
Watson allegedly returned to his house and came back with petrol, which he sprinkled, on the damaged houses and the workers' belongings before setting them ablaze.
The workers lost property worth $1 400 in the fire.
Mr Mberesi said the Watson then went and directed his administration clerk to ensure that the houses were repaired before police arrived.
He then went into hiding with his wife.
A report was then filed with the police leading to his arrest after being on the run for a couple of days.