HARARE The extent of multiple ownership of commercial farms by senior Zanu (PF) officials in cabinet and armed forces is revealed in minutes of government meetings about the land reform and resettlement programme national audit, conducted in 2002/3 and chaired by the late vice-president Joseph Msika. Copies of the minutes in our possession show that, despite disingenuous statements to the contrary, President Robert Mugabe and his inner circle have been aware of the extent of multiple farm ownership by party fatcats for several years. An addendum to the interim report of the land audit, reads as follows:
Multiple Farm Ownership – The following were identified as owning more than one farm which is a violation of the one man one farm policy of our Land Reform Programme.
Hon Dr I.M.C. Chombo MP Allan Grange (300ha) and Oldham in Chegutu
Hon J. Gumbo MP Lot 12A of Nuanetsi Ranch A in Mwenezi and Wolewehoek (1299 ha) in Makonde
Hamadziripi M.K. Ballineety in Nyabira (3147 ha) and Wolwehoek (1299 ha) Makonde
Hon J. Hungwe MP Lot 21A of Nuanetsi Ranch in Mwenezi (14713 ha) and Bryn Chegutu
Kangachepa Kufaingano Mafuta (1300ha) and R/E of Mvurachena Estate (711 ha) both in Makonde district.
Brig E.W. Kanhanga Stella (425 ha) and Stockwill (2433 ha) both in Mazowe district
S. Kasukuwere MP Pimento Farm, Bamboo Creek and Harmony
J. Macheka Cainsmore (300ha) in Mazowe and Doornfontein (864 ha) in Masvingo
E. Madzongwe Bourne and Corburn 13 both in Chegutu
Hon S. Mahofa MP Lothian in Gutu, Lochnivar, Eyrie, Spring SP
N. Makura Brechnin and Laung Glen in Seke district
Hon E. Manyika MP Duiker Flats and Sub Division 3 of Caledon
M. Mawere Sanga (1137 ha) Goromonzi and Chigori (871 ha) in Murehwa
Hon K. Mohadi MP Bothasrus and Bea Ranch allocated to Mrs Mohadi both in Beitbridge
Hon Prof J. Moyo MP Little Connemara 1 Nyanga, Patterson, Mazowe and Lot 3A of Dete Valley in Lupane
Hon O. Mpofu MP Auchenberg in Nyamandlovu, Umuguza Block in Umguza and one other farm he is understood to have purchased
S. Mugabe R/E of Mlembwe (1037 ha) Longwood (924 ha) and Gowrie Farm
F. Mukunowengwe Watakai and Nan Terra in Mazoe district
L. Mutemeri Carlton Curlieu of Trelawney Estate (570 ha) Makonde and Corburn 33 (234,30 ha) Chegutu
V. Mwashita and spouse Dendere/Harmony and Watakai in Mazowe
Boniface Shamu Meando and Vilendy in Marondera
Air Marshal P. Shiri Eirin (1460 ha) Marondera Maple Leaf and R/E of Audrey farm.
C. Shumba Maine Farm Chegutu Chinomw Estate Makonde and Lot 1 Orange Grove in Chegutu.
W. Bvudzijena Templeton Ranch and Koodoo Hill
Hon P. Chanetsa MP R/E of Riverside E, Greensleaves of Biri, Gabaro Farm in Hurungwe, Romsey Farm in Makonde Spouse Erewhom Farm
C. Chingosho Makarara, Showers B., Solitude, Retreat of Sanzara, Chigori, Rapids all in Marondera and Lot 6 of Mkwasine Central in Chiredzi
M.M. Chinomona Plot 14 of Rathmines and R/E of Redbuck Kop in Goromonzi
E. Chauke Farm 748 Ngwindi Sugar Estate in Chiredzi and Sikato 10 in Masvingo District.
J. Chibizhe Sabi Dog and S/D 9 of Lot 6 Essanby
N. Machirori Morning Star and another farm he bought on his own
The report states further: NB. The list is not exhaustive as the people interviewed were scared to reveal any information least they might be victimised by the multiple farm owners who seem to have their loyalists within the various land committees.
It is very important to take urgent corrective measures particularly where the leadership is the perpetrator of anomalies as the general public is restive where such cases exist and a multitude of people are still on the waiting list.
The report, prepared by the cabinet secretariat, contains the following recommendations none of which were implemented by the Mugabe regime:
It is recommended that the information supplied by this audit be utilised to take corrective measures immediately so that the Land Reform and Resettlement can be brought back in tandem with the policy. Perpetrators of all cited anomalies should be censured and institutional arrangements strengthened so that all land committees can operate freely within the policy guidelines.
Further details from the report and the minutes of meetings held six years ago to discuss it, will be revealed in The Zimbabwean on Tuesday.
Post published in: News