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Over 1,600 residents of Kampasa in Meanwood, Lusaka, have taken Galauni Farms to the Lusaka High Court, alleging attempts to seize their land.
The plaintiffs, led by Jatel Zulu, are seeking a court order affirming their legal ownership of the disputed land.
They are also demanding compensation for damages, including the destruction of homes and property allegedly caused by the defendant’s agents.
Additionally, the residents are requesting an injunction to prevent further evictions, demolitions, or any other activities on the land until the case is resolved.
According to a statement of claim filed on February 17, the plaintiffs assert that they have resided on the Kampasa land since birth or through inheritance.
They describe Galauni Farms as a neighboring company that has allegedly encroached upon their rights.
In 2023, Zulu, the chairperson of the Kampasa community, and four others were arrested for criminal trespass after Galauni Farms reported them to the police, accusing them of unlawful occupation.
The group was charged with illegally entering Galauni Farms’ land between June 2, 2022, and January 9, 2023, allegedly with intent to commit an offense.
During legal proceedings in the Subordinate Court, the Surveyor General’s Office was called to verify land boundaries.
The survey report, presented in court, confirmed that the plaintiffs were outside Galauni Farms’ designated land.
On October 9, 2024, the magistrate’s court acquitted the accused, ruling that they had not encroached on the company’s property.
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Despite the ruling, the residents claim Galauni Farms has continued to intimidate and harass them, allegedly using state police to threaten arrests and demolitions of structures under construction.
On January 20, 2025, the plaintiffs lodged a formal complaint with the Inspector General of Police regarding police presence on their land, but they say no action has been taken.
The residents further allege that the defendant’s actions have resulted in financial losses, including stolen construction materials and the removal of beacons.
As part of their lawsuit, the plaintiffs have also pledged to compensate Galauni Farms for any undue damages resulting from the injunction should the court rule in the company’s favor.
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