Sitatunga Safaris Zimbabwe, a safari operator, has taken the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Parks Authority) to court over the leasing of the Chirisa Safari area in the Midlands.
The company, Glenulas Trading Private Limited, claims that its 10-year lease agreement with the Parks Authority still stands, and it has been peacefully occupying the area since 2017.
According to the company’s director, Malcolm Ambrose, the lease agreement grants Glenulas exclusive use of all existing structures on the property. The company provides hunting safaris, game viewing, and photographic safari services to international clients.
However, in April 2024, Glenulas alleges that the Parks Authority and Carbon Green Africa (Private) Limited, which has been granted a new lease by the Parks Authority, began to interfere with its operations.
The company claims that Carbon Green Africa is attempting to take over the Ingwe Camp, which is used to accommodate clients.
Glenulas has filed an urgent chamber application with the Bulawayo High Court, seeking a spoliation order to prevent Carbon Green Africa from taking over the property.
The company argues that the Parks Authority has failed to appreciate the essence of the lease agreement and is instead allowing another company to operate in the area, which is subtracting from its rights.
The Parks Authority has responded to the application, stating that they will file their reasons at the next hearing.
However, Glenulas has argued that the Parks Authority is effectively asking the court to amend the agreement it signed with them, which is not acceptable.
The case is set to be heard on Wednesday, with both parties presenting their arguments to the court.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
