The Commercial Farmers Union confirmed the evictions but declined to identify the affected farmers or disclose their locations, fearing reprisal attacks after a farmer was murdered on his property last week.
"There are still the odd jambanjas (violent farm invasions) occurring around the country and in one case the police have allegedly been ordered to assist the Messenger of the Court to physically evict a farmer who is in fact fully protected by a High Court Order. The group was busy loading up all his personal effects onto their lorries despite the High Court Order," a CFU spokesperson told The Zimbabwean.
"It is disappointing that despite the apparent gains and progress we are still unable to achieve a moratorium on prosecutions and evictions. But this does not comefrom lack of trying. We will continue to push for this until it is finally achieved because the current situation is counterproductive and retrogressive at a time when agricultural production desperately needs to get back on track and be encouraged."
The police were allegedly physically involved in the removal of personal property from a homestead and barns as well as the forceful eviction of the farmer.
CFU said the issue had still not been satisfactorily resolved this week. However, officials said they were encouraged to hear that JOMIC had held a meeting with the Police to discuss the incident and a few others where the police have been accused of allegedly reacting ineffectively to violent incidents against farmers.
Post published in: News