via Chimene evicts MDC-T activists – The Zimbabwean 13 May 2015 by Ganizani Sixpence
Controversial Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Mandi Chimene, has taken over a farm complex occupied by six individuals belonging to the MDC-T.
The six activists run various businesses at the Nyazura Farm complex, including a butchery, grocery shop, church office and restaurant, among other activities.
In the Mutare Magistrates’ Civil Court in documents dated March 5, 2015, the Minister of Lands and Rural Resettlement (Douglas Mombeshora) gave Chimene a lease agreement to use the farm, meaning that she now is the exclusive holder of all rights and interests in all farm infrastructure on the property.
Last week the six MDC activists were summoned for unlawful occupation of the farm as they hold no offer letter, land settlement lease or permit. Chimene is arguing that the six have baselessly refused to vacate the farm buildings. Milton Munjengwa, Oliver Chinowaita, Jusa Showa, Tapiwa Goora, Mrs Moyo and one Nechawawa have said they intend to defend their eviction in court.
“I am leasing the land from the Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement and I am the exclusive holder of all rights and interest to all farm infrastructure at the farm complex,” she said.
Her lawyer, Misheck Mugadza, said: “My client (Chimene) has the right to use the property under a five-year lease and she will use the farm to the benefit of the community.”
Chimene is not new to controversy. Since her appointment she has been ruffling feathers in Manicaland province. In January, she told Zanu (PF) supporters that she had evicted white farmers from some farms in the Headlands district whom she alleged were being protected by allies of former Vice President Joice Mujuru.
In February Chimene disclosed that the party was planning to repossess a commercial farm allocated to Didymus Mutasa, the ousted Zanu (PF) secretary for administration, after the former State Security Minister denounced the controversial land reform programme.
COMMENTS