Source: Evicted Headlands farmers appeal for help –Newsday Zimbabwe
HUNDREDS of desperate families living in the open along the Harare-Mutare Highway in Mufusire, Headlands, have appealed to authorities and other stakeholders to assist them with food and a place to stay.
The families were evicted from the nearby Fairfields farm by former Zanu PF Mufusire district chairperson Samuel Matonga a fortnight ago.
The victims, mostly Zanu PF members, were resettled in the area around 2001 until three weeks ago when the Messenger of Court, in the company of anti-riot police, chucked them out.When NewsDay visited the area yesterday, the families were camped in the open in three groups.
They have since erected makeshift tents. They do not have ablution facilities.
A spokesperson of the victims and Zanu PF Village 16C chairperson Ignatius Nyikayaramba (36) appealed for assistance in the form of food.
“We need a shelter, but it has been weeks living in the open. We don’t know where to go. Our children, and the elderly, are suffering. It is not safe,” Nyikayaramba said.
“As we wait for the government to assist us on the way forward, we are appealing to well-wishers to assist us with food, tents and toilets. We have lost a livelihood. Our livestock is wandering in these plains.”
Among those living in the open include children and the elderly who are braving the torrential rains that have been pounding the area.
Matonga recently confirmed the evictions to NewsDay, adding that the farm was owned by a co-operative.
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