The villagers were praying to stop the acquisition of Cunningham’s Maleme Ranch in Matopo by an official from the office of the president, Rodney Mashingaidze. Chief Malaki Masuku confirmed receiving reports that locals had been assaulted by the police.
Mashingaidze on Friday led a group of 16 people from outside the region, who pitched tents around the ranch and ordered farm workers to stop work. A foreman was arrested and taken to Kezi. Unconfirmed reports claimed that Cunningham had been taken to the local police station. Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele said he was not aware of the matter.