COMMERCIAL FARMERS' UNION
INFORMATION ROOM
FARM INVASIONS UPDATE - 4 MAY 2000
FARM INVASIONS
SUMMARY - 04/05/2000
Total affected Currently
since Feb occupied
Mash
Central 224 106
Mash West (South)
87 39
Mash West (North) 163 140
Mash
East 247 154
Manicaland
165 99
Midlands 86 40
Masvingo 105 76
Matabeleland
113 99
TOTAL 1190 753
REGIONAL REPORTS
Central Mashonaland
Efforts are being made to restore a measure of stability in Centenary,
where war vets are demanding accommodation in farm houses.
Centenary - Mavuradonha Farm has been forced to clear out the guest
cottage in order for the war vets to occupy it. Maclear Farm has been
ordered to clear out the manager's cottage and vacate the homestead this
afternoon. Dispol is assisting to locate the war vets leadership to
deal with the outrageous demands being made of farmers. Oban farm had a
new invasion today, which was peaceful. Demands are escalating daily.
Horseshoe - All is quiet and talks have been held with the senior
legitimate war vets and ground rules have been set in place.
Victory Block - The war vets are moving communal cattle onto the farms.
The President's office are checking the grading of tobacco at various
farms.
Mvurwi - The invaders have moved off from Eastwolds and towards
Forrester H. A peaceful rally was held on Eastwolds and they have all
dispersed.
Mazowe - Trianda received demands for supplies.
Glendale - Harmony Farm has had a small group of war vets arriving
outside the back door of the homestead demanding that part of the farm
is signed over to them.
Harare West - Komani Estates was all quiet, the staff requested meat for
the war vets as they were being intimidated. Calgary Farm is expecting a
large meeting to be held there tonight.
Nyabira - When the war vets demanded that Raynum Butchery show them a
place to peg, it was already pegged and declared "illegal". The war
vets were to sort it out between themselves. Alburry Farm has a visit
and the war vets insisted that the farmer invite them in to the house
for a drink
Matabeleland
On Ilitshe (Inyathi) the farmer dismissed two of his labourers last week
for maize theft. The 2 workers returned to the farm today with war vets.
There was an invasion consisting of miners in Esigodini and a new
invasion in the area yesterday which was not included in the sitrep.
Mashonaland East
No report as there have been communication problems.
Midlands
Generally peaceful, but a lot of movement. There have been approximately
6 new invasions, but they have all been very peaceful.
Mashonaland West North
In Doma the driver from Kismet farm was severely assaulted today. More
details are unknown at the time of writing. War vets are visiting 4 or 5
farms a day in the region.
In Karoi death threats were received by four farmers and one security
agent. 8 farms have had work stoppages today. There was a total of 8
assaults on labourers. Again, more details are unknown at this stage.
Many criminal activities taking place in the area.
In Chinhoyi 8 kudu have been killed in the past four days.
Several farms were visited in Banket yesterday, which were not in
yesterday's report.
In Tengwe land prep for wheat has been stopped on 3 farms, and attempts
to get farmers back on their properties are ongoing.
Kariba, Trelawney and Darwendale and Mutorashanga have all been quiet
today.
Mashonaland West South
There has been some movement in Kadoma, where invaders have been burning
mopane trees and are threatening the grazing for the largest beef
exporter in Zimbabwe.
In Norton 25 - 30 people have moved onto Shingwiri Farm and are in the
tobacco shed. On Idaho Farm the invaders are demanding filtered water as
they do not believe that the borehole water is good enough.
The CFU Regional Executive tells us that Section 10, 11 and 12 of the
Law and Order Maintenance Act are to be brought into effect, stopping
any gatherings of more than 12 people.
Invaders on Jenkinstown Farm have asked that the 500 head of cattle and
the workers be removed from Jenkinstown Farm, which the farmer has been
pressured to signing over to the invaders.
All hunts for May have been cancelled in the district, causing losses in
export earnings, amounting to several million dollars. Olivine/Heinz are
wanting the tomato crop to be reduced by 40% due to the political
uncertainty in the country.
Masvingo
The region has been generally quiet today.
OTHER
STRESS MANAGEMENT SEMINAR
12TH MAY 2000
FOR C.F.U. MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
How to cope with personal stress, family stress and the immense problems
of employees.
NON-POLITICAL AND HUMANITARIAN
Top medics, psychologists, counsellors
NO FEE
Phone Jan Wentworth or Nicky Petersen on 309800 for further details and
book as soon as possible
COMMERCIAL FARMERS' UNION
AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION SERVICES
DEPARTMENT
Visit the CFU Website:- http://www.mweb.co.zw/cfu