The Sunday News
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Correspondent
VICTORIA Falls lawyer Mr Paul Connolly’s High Court bid has come under fire after he allegedly filed an application, accompanied by a petition with names of villagers and traditional leaders whom he allegedly never consulted, seeking to stop developments around Siyansinba site in the resort city.
Some of the cited villagers are now accusing the lawyer of trying to use their names without their consent. Among those unhappy about the lawyer’s conduct is Chief Mvutu who is listed as a second applicant in the petition. The traditional leader expressed shock after discovering that his name was dragged into the legal battle without his knowledge and consent.
“It came to my attention that my name was dragged into the legal battle without my knowledge and I am very disappointed. I just came from talking to him and I expressed my displeasure. It is not good for someone to use my name that way especially without my concern, I’m not happy at all,” said Chief Mvutu.
The lawyer is said to have ncluded names of 25 applicants in his petition. Contacted for a comment, Mr Connolly declined to say much about the issue although he confirmed to have filled the application with the list of local people.
“I’m not going to make a comment for now, let me leave it here. Yes, I made an application and any application has to have supporting statements. I won’t say anything more,” he said.
According to information gathered, Tusker Investments entered into a lease agreement with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority towards developments of the camping site, Siyansinba, that has not been developed over the years but has a potential to attract more tourists when developed to the right standards. — @nyeve14
