The invaders moved onto the properties during the height of farm invasions and had defied several eviction orders from the government.
It is a policy of the government’s land reform programme that all black-owned farms be spared from acquisition and occupation. However, riot police were forced to descend on some farms where invaders had not heeded eviction orders.
Armed with AK 47 assault rifles, officers raided Chidza farm, Ganyani Farm and Ripple Waters Farm, among others, and forced illegal farm invaders from the properties.
A spokesman for the invaders, Misheck Chingarande, told The Zimbabwean they would not leave the properties unless President Robert Mugabe intervened.
“We have been occupying these farms since 2000 and we were surprised to be served with eviction notices”, said Chingarande. “We invaded these farms during the height of farm invasions.”
Masvingo police spokesman Inspector Peter Zhanero confirmed the eviction but refused to give details.
However, Masvingo provincial administrator Felix Chikovo said the evictions were ongoing since the government had made it clear that all black-owned farms should be spared from occupation.
“We want to make sure that before the start of rainy season all farms have been cleared of farm invaders,” he said.
Post published in: News