MACHEKE - More than 800 residents have been left jobless, following seizure of Perkins Farm by Mashonaland East Governor, Aenius Chigwedere (pictured). The farm, which was the sole source of employment for residents of the railway town ship, was added to a list of farms owned by Chigwedere and is operating under the names of the spouse, children and relatives of the governor-cum-traditional-headman.
The taking over of the former horticulture farm, has left residents idle and resorting to vending agriculture produce along the Harare-Mutare road. Macheke has no industry and people relied on the designated farm for employment.
Governor Chigwedere allegedly divided the farm into four, with Macheke Zanu (PF) councilor, Josphat Kamwendo, also benefiting. The owner of the farm, a Mr. Shawn, has since relocated to Harare without a fight. Recently, there were reports that Chigwedere evacuated war veterans and collaborators from a Beatrice farm, which he later allocated to his son.