THE Sittingbourne-based family of Zimbabwean farmer Ben Freeth are celebrating following a landmark ruling in his favour against tyrant Robert Mugabe.

A regional tribunal of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has decreed the Zimbabwean government’s attempted seizure of land from 78 white farmers, to be illegal.

The case was brought by Mr Freeth, who is originally from Borden, and his father-in-law, Mike Campbell, 77,

They maintained Zimbabwe’s ‘fast-track’ land reform programme was in violation of their rights and both racist and illegal.

The case came before the tribunal a year ago, but postponed twice and only heard in July.

The second postponement in May followed the brutal attack by President Robert Mugabe’s henchmen on Mr Campbell, his wife Angela who both suffered horrific injuries.

Ben, who had gone to their rescue, suffered a fractured skull.

The landmark case is the first one brought before the SADC tribunal.

The seizure of white-owned farms to resettle the landless blacks began eight years ago, but the programme descended into violence, with most farms falling into the hands of Mugabe’s followers.

Speaking from her Oad Street home, Ben’s mother Claire Freeth said: “History has been made.

“The SADC human rights court has had its first case, and the judgement today held that Mike won on every count and costs are to be awarded as well.

“This really is through God’s amazing Grace. It’s fantastic news.”

Mrs Freeth said Ben was very emotional about the decision and paid tribute to members of St

Justus Church, Rochester, who have maintained a prayer vigil.