A farm in Central Province has sued the state for criminal trespass over the Ministry of General Education’s decision to encroach on its land in Mukonchi area.

According to a statement of claim filed in the Lusaka High Court, Pabuta Enterprises Limited is claiming K500,000 from the state as damages for encroachment.

The company is also seeking damages for trespass, loss and inconvenience.

Details are that the ministry trespassed on the plaintiff’s land on which they built a school known as Chamukamba Primary School thereby illegally occupying part of the company’s farm to the extent of approximately 5 hectares.

The company stated that several attempts had been made to settle the matter with the ministry but to no avail.

The demand letter was thus issued to the ministry on July 26, 2017 but was ignored with impunity.
The company availed that the 125 hectare piece of land, being farm number 5506, was purchased in May, 2005.