VP Mphoko underfire over white farmer

via VP Mphoko underfire over white farmer – New Zimbabwe 08/02/2015

VICE President Phelekezela Mphoko and war veterans are on a collision course with the former fighters accusing Mphoko of protecting a Gwanda commercial farmer from being evicted.

According to sources close to the dispute, Mphoko has ordered the lands ministry to immediately issue George Watson of Double O ranch with an offer letter for the 2,000 hectare piece of land.

Watson’s banana plantation is under threat after Matabeleland South provincial affairs minister Abedinico Ncube announced last week that the provincial lands committee had agreed to evict the farmer.

Watson however, remains on the farm with Mphoko reportedly organising an offer letter for him in Harare.

The vice president visited Watson’s farm in December last year to learn about his thriving banana project as he intends to set up similar projects in other parts of the country.

However, addressing hundreds of war veterans at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic on Saturday, war veterans secretary general Victor Matemadanda vowed that they would not be stopped from acquiring the farm.

“Mat-South has the worst case of land corruption in the country,” he said to wild cheers.

“We aware of this banana farm and there is a lot to it than bananas. We do not care who you know in the party we will move you.

“People fought for this land and some are now taking it through corruption.”

Matemadanda also called for the dismissal of provincial administrator Midard Khumalo, district administrators and local lands ministry officials he accused of disregarding Ncube’s orders.

However, war veterans leader and minister of welfare of war veterans Chris Mutsvangwa warned the former freedom fighters against lawlessness.

“We need to create a new image as war veterans, so don’t go about breaking the law in our name,” said Mutsangwa.

His remarks followed reports some war veterans cut down a 16km-long security fence at Watson’s farm.

Back to Home page