Prosecutors in Zimbabwe have reinstated charges against two soldiers accused of planning to petrol-bomb a dairy farm owned by President Robert Mugabe’s family, the state-owned Herald newspaper reports.

The move annuls the decision of chief prosecutor Johannes Tomana to drop the charges against the 29-year-old and 37-year-old soldiers, it reports.

The legal team of the soldiers is pushing for the case to be thrown out, saying it was inconceivable that Mr Tomana would “turn around and authorize their prosecution”.

State lawyers said Mr Tomana’s deputy had taken the decision to recharge them after complying with all the “statutory requirements”, the Herald reports.

Mr Tomana is out on bail after his decision led to him being charged with obstructing the course of justice.

He has denied the charge.