STAFF WRITER
Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) is suing Hwange Colliery Company Limited(HCCL) and Hwange Local Board for pulling down the corruption watchdog’s billboard.
In court papers filed at the High Court, ZIMCODD cited Hwange Colliery Company Limited (Under Reconstruction), the Administrators-HCCL (under reconstruction), Peterson Ncube, Hwange Local Board and Officer Commanding Police-Hwange District as Respondents.
ZIMCODD said it mounted a billboard at the Hwange Town Centre on September 3 2021 which was unlawfully pulled down at the instigation of one Peterson Ncube in either his personal or official capacity on the 18th of October 2021.
The Applicant engaged the Respondents trying to peacefully resolve the issue through restoration of the billboard and that route yielded lukewarm response from the Respondents prompting ZIMCODD to approach the High Court.
“The Applicant has been in peaceful and undisturbed possession of a billboard mounted at the Hwange Town Centre since on or about 3rd September 2021. On or about Monday 18th October 2021, the 3rd Respondent, in either his personal or official capacity of Estates Supervisor of 1st and 2nd Respondent or both has pulled down the canvass material of the bill board without lawful or just cause.”
“On Tuesday 19th October 2021, the Applicant engaged the Respondent to restore the peaceful and undisturbed possession of the bill board,” wrote the ZIMCODD.
ZIMCODD decried the removal of the billboard and further argued that the destruction of the billboard diminishes the impact of their accountability campaign.
“The Applicant stands to be prejudiced greatly of financial resources expended in putting up the bill board and will lose the maximum impact of its ongoing campaign for accountability if the status quo is not restored,” reads the summons.
On the attached annexure, a community member was reprimanded by one Patterson Ncube after posting the image of ZIMCODD billboard on social media.
“Vosta posted this bill board without our consent. The bill board is not in keeping with our attitude towards the President and Government. HCCL does not support aggressive attitudes towards authorities. I am sure you attended the MD’s briefing and noted his emphasis on progressive engagement and respect……We expect residents to respect the rules and regulations of HCCL.” reads the attached annexure with Ncube reprimanding Hwange community member.
The billboard was inscribed “#HowFar?MATEBELELAND AND ZAMBEZI WATER PROJECT?”
ZIMCODD needs court intervention to interdict the Respondents from destroying the billboard and to reinstate the billboard to its location and in its original form within 24 hours of granting the order.
The matter is pending.
