BULAWAYO - Wildlife Conservancy owners in Matabeleland North have reported an upsurge in harassment and threats to take over their properties, following the recent government announcement that it was going to take over their properties.
White conservancy owners who spoke to The Zimbabwean said they were under siege following the announcement by Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Director, Vitalis Chadenga, that the government was planning to grab about 55 wildlife conservancies from the few remaining white farmers.
Last week about five people driving a white Toyota land Cruiser visited my farm. They asked me for a government offer letter for the farm. I explained to them that I do not have an offer letter because part of my farm was taken in 2005 and I was left with the part which I am currently using said Jack Newton, who owns Black Eagle Conservancy in Gwayi.
Newton said after inspecting the farm and taking an inventory of equipment at the property, the people left and promised to come back before the end of March. I really do not know who these people were and what their motive was. We are
really co-habiting with new farmers here, said Newton.
Another conservancy farmer in Bubi, Bruce Wallace, was last week reportedly said to have been threatened with eviction from his property. Wallace, an MDC supporter, has been fighting with the Matabeleland governor, Thokozile Mathuthu, for possession of the conservancy.
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