She is understood to be using her new position as the provincial lands committee chairperson to target viable, productive farms in the region. Investigations reveal that Chimene, accompanied by some Central Intelligence Operatives, ambushed the white farmer at his premises during the recent Easter Holiday at around 4 am.
The tough-talking minister allegedly threatened the farmer to vacate the property immediately – a move that was vehemently resisted by the victim. Sources privy to the issue told this newspaper that Chimene had since given the farmer three weeks to comply or risk a violent take-over.
This comes shortly after Chimene, who already has a farm in Mutasa, publicly ranted that she would invade the farm occupied by expelled Zanu (PF) former secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa.
“Chimene is trying to stamp her authority as the new kingpin in Manicaland after the fall of Mutasa,” said the source. Mutasa was regarded as the godfather of the eastern region during his prime when he was the ruling party’s fourth most senior member.
“She is now targeting all the people who were protected by Mutasa and the Rusape farmer has become the first victim. She is using well known operatives to kick him out. He has been resisting but finally gave in and requested three months to vacate the property. But Chimene said she only has three weeks to spare,” added the source.
Efforts to get a comment from the controversial Makoni South MP were fruitless as she was said to be hosting a Mozambican delegation. The eviction comes after the farmer has just invested $500,000 in the highly productive farm specialising in wildlife and agri-business. Most of the crops are almost ripe for harvesting.
A new series of farm invasions in recent months has been spearheaded by the faction loyal too Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Buhera South legislator Joseph Chinotimba recently orchestrated the invasion of a Chipinge farm on behalf of his son, Edwin. The 300 hectare farm was owned by former mining executive Collen Gura who bought it in 2005.
This was followed by the eviction of former Minister of State for Masvingo Kudakwashe Bhasikiti.
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi is gearing up to make a hostile takeover of a white owned farm in Masvingo.
Post published in: News