Chief Nyangazonke in boundary dispute

CHIEF Nyangazonke is locked in a protracted dispute with his neighbour Mr Johannes Hart whom he is accusing of encroaching on his farm in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province.

Government has since instituted investigations.

The chief is accusing neighbour’s farm manager, only identified as Mr Young, of using derogatory language whenever he tried to engage him over the issue.

The feud has resulted in Chief Nyangazonke and Mr Young making counter-reports to the police.

Matobo District Coordinator, Mr Obey Chapuritsa yesterday confirmed that they are investigating a boundary dispute between the Chief Ndiweni and Mr Johannes Hart at Anglesia Farm in Matobo.

“Yes, we are aware of the dispute and we are in the process of investigating while trying to resolve the matter. In resolving the matter, we intend to invite the Surveyor General to come and address the boundary disputes,” said Mr Chapuritsa.

“However, I don’t want to comment much about the dispute and racial slurs as this is now a case that will be heard before the courts.”

Mr Chapuritsa said the local community has also brought the matter to local legislator Cde Edgar Moyo’s attention to resolve it.

In an interview, Chief Nyangazonke said he benefited from the Land Reform Programme in 2004 but had never had problems with neighbours until the arrival of Mr Hart earlier this year.

“Since I acquired this piece of land, I never had problems with white farm managers that were employed in the neighbouring farm until now. Earlier this year, I had a problem with a group of farmers who were also trying to take my land,” he said.

“I was physically shown the piece of land by the previous land officer and I have had a couple of meetings with the lands officer.”

Chief Nyangazonke said when he approached him to try and resolve the issue, he was insulted.

“We met with the hope of resolving this issue, but it has gone to a point where he simply dismisses me, saying ‘I don’t even talk to things like you’ ‘I talk to the Surveyor General,'” he said.

“I had to tell him that in my capacity as a human being, you don’t call me a thing.”

Chief Nyangazonke said his neighbour’s actions are an attack on the traditional leadership institutions.

He alleged that Mr Hart told his workers that he would shoot the chief.

“I’m a chief in this country, my jurisdiction doesn’t just stop here, and I’m recognised nationally. I’m an authority and this guy has shown me that he does not respect the traditional leadership institution,” said Chief Nyangazonke.

“I have always respected these other white farmers and I’m not saying they should kneel down before me. By calling me a thing, he is not just insulting me, but showing disrespect to the traditional leadership institution.”

Contacted for comment Mr Hart requested that questions be sent on his WhatsApp inbox.

“Send your questions in writing on WhatsApp. I have to consult further. I’m a worker at this farm before commenting,” said Mr Hart.

When the reporter made a follow-up on the questions sent, he claimed to have not seen the questions despite the WhatsApp messenger showing a double blue tick.

Efforts to contact him telephonically were fruitless as he continuously cut the calls. —@nqotshili