A soldier based in the area confirmed that after striking a deal with the displaced farmer, he returned to transport his maize to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) and prepare his tobacco seed beds.
Soldiers extorting money are mainly juniors deployed by their seniors to frustrate farming activities at white-owned farms. They are doing this behind the backs of the seniors to supplement their allowances. It could be a sign of disgruntlement by the juniors who are used as shields for farm invasions by senior army officers, said a farm worker at Karori farm.
22.7.2009
14:30
White farmers forced to bribe
HEADLANDS - White commercial farmers have been forced pay thousands of dollars to soldiers to continue farming their land, according to recent reports. A farmer who spoke to The Zimbabwean on condition of anonymity, said he was asked by the army to pay cash to carryout temporary farming activities at his farm. The farmer was ordered by the soldiers not to expose the deal.