But it is unlikely that anything will materialise from the move. In the past Chihuri has refused to act against the war vets, claiming that farm invasions were ‘political’ and they lay outside the police mandate.
SW Radio Africa reported last week that the police were refusing to accompany a local deputy sheriff to evict invaders from Denlynian Farm, located on the outskirts of the border town.
In the same report farm owner Ian Ferguson said that he was going to seek the services of an external sheriff because the local one was ‘scared’ to act without a police escort and against locals to some of whom he is ‘related’.
On Monday the local deputy sheriff, together with Ferguson’s lawyer Winston Chakalisa, sent the High Court sheriff in Harare, Mr Matega, a report on how the police had refused to act.
On Tuesday Ferguson told SW Radio Africa that Matega had accepted his appeal for help and promised to take the issue up with Chihuri, to get from him an explanation on the police’s action.
Ferguson said Matega was ‘very helpful’ and promised to come back to him before the end of the week.
Led by war vets who include Stephen Mohadi (Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi’s brother), ZANU PF supporters invaded Denlynian Farm last month.
Since then there have been reports of harassment and the beating up of the workers and clients. There have also been reports of massive poaching and theft.
Last week the invaders were reported to have ‘virtually’ taken over the farm forcing the owner to approach the court, only for the police to ignore the order.
On Tuesday Ferguson said more people have arrived at his property and were slaughtering game and were routinely seen ferrying out their loot on government vehicles.
He named Elphas Siziba and Jakobe Ndou, both senior local government ministry officials based in Gwanda, as being involved.
Denlynian Farm is one of the estimated 500 South African owned properties to have fallen victim to government led land grabs. – SW Radio Africa
Post published in: News