Mugabe is aware of farm invasions — Dabengwa

via Mugabe is aware of farm invasions — Dabengwa – DailyNews Live 20 AUGUST 2014 by Jeffrey Muvundisi

BULAWAYO – Dumiso Dabengwa, the opposition Zapu president,  has said President Robert Mugabe is much aware of the on-going farm invasions in Matabeleland but for reasons best known to himself, is not doing anything.

Dabengwa, whose Ruddy Farm in Nyamandlovu was recently invaded by Zanu PF youths, claimed in an interview with the Daily News yesterday that the latest spate of fresh farm invasions had the blessings from the highest office in the land. The Daily News could not independently verify these claims.

Bulawayo City Council-owned Mazwi Sanctuary was last month grabbed by Zanu PF youths, who have since camped in the land. Early this month, Ray Ndhlukula, deputy chief secretary in the office of the President and Cabinet, invaded Dartnelly Farm owned by David Connolly, which is about 45 kilometres south west of Bulawayo.

However, invaders at Dabengwa’s farm have since retreated in unclear circumstances.

“Obviously, President Mugabe is aware of what is happening and if he wants he can put a stop on the invasions,” Dabengwa said. “Mugabe reads newspapers every day and is apprised of what is happening by his ministers in their meetings including the politburo.

“He is a national leader who has got the power to intervene when he wants.”

The Zapu leader said he was astonished on why no action had been taken against the invaders yet the new Constitution outlaws such action.

Dabengwa, a former Home Affairs minister, said “I won’t seek any audience with him.”

“If need be, we will take it upon ourselves as Zapu to defend anyone who was legally given land in Matabeleland region,” he said.

He said he was surprised by the “deliberate targeting” of farms in Matabeleland.

“People in the region are obviously angered and that should be corrected quickly before that anger escalates into something else, which is unfortunate,” he said. Dabengwa, who was known as the “Black Russian” during the liberation struggle, claimed Zanu PF bigwigs were persecuting him.

“They are persecuting me because they are saying Dabengwa is not compliant when others like Joshua Nkomo, Simon Khaya Moyo, John Land-Nkomo and Kembo Mohadi have been compliant.  It’s only me who is a rebel in the region and I have to be dealt with. Unfortunately, I am sorry that won’t be possible,” he said.