Chronicle Editor
Peter Matika, Senior Reporter
A TOTAL of 34 families have been evicted from a Willsgrove Farm owned by McDonald Bricks in Umguza District, Matabeleland North province.
The families were evicted in an ongoing order that saw 300 other families being evicted from the farm in January this year.
The families were evicted by the Messenger of Court, after an order was granted in court.
“Further to previous correspondence, we confirm that as you had already given the illegal settlers notice to vacate the premises, we do not believe that it is necessary for you to serve them with a further notice since the order for a stay of execution was discharged,” read the order.
“ . . . is hereby, authorised to forcibly eject the said respondents and all those claiming through them from the aforesaid property and to render vacant occupation to the applicant soon thereafter. The respondents shall pay the costs of the suit.”
Umguza Member of Parliament and Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Richard Moyo, said it was expected that the evictions occur, as the land was privately owned.
Cde Moyo said most of the families had been duped by land barons, who had sold them privately owned land.
“I am very much aware of what is taking place. This is an ongoing issue. McDonald settled some of its former workers, after they said they had nowhere to go and settle, after they retired. Some of these people then became unscrupulous and gave themselves glorified positions and began selling land to people,” said Cde Moyo, before stating that people should follow proper channels when seeking land.
@peterkmatika
Online Reporter