adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
THE situation at Chingwizi where Tokwe-Murkosi flood victims were settled last year was tense yesterday amid reports that scores of people were arrested in connection with the torching of a police vehicle last week.Anti-riot police allegedly swooped on transit camp occupants last week who were resisting moving to permanent sites they were allocated by government and they retaliated by setting a police vehicle on fire.
About 300,000 families from Tokwe-Murkosi Dam in Chivi district were moved to Chingwizi transit camp in Nuanetsi Ranch in Mwenezi where temporary shelter was provided as they awaited to be properly resettled.
Some families, however, have vowed to stay put at the transit camp protesting government’s decision to allocate them one hectare plots instead of the initially promised four hectares.
They are also demanding compensation from the government.
In a telephone interview, Chingwizi transit camp occupants said they would not move until their grievances were addressed.
Headman Chauke, Alfios Chauke, said the situation at the camp was tense especially following the arrest of some of the villagers due to the burning of the police vehicle.
He could not give an exact number of those arrested.
“Everyone is disillusioned here and we appeal to President Mugabe to come to our rescue. As it is we are left with no option as there is no relief in sight. We have been allocated plots that are too small, worse still we are yet to be compensated.
“We still stick to our guns that they should not renege on the promise of four hectares per household,” said Headman Chauke.
Headman Ngwarinda (John Kamurai) said there is a need for dialogue between the families and government.
“I think it is unnecessary to unleash riot police, people will feel intimidated. We understand that there is no money but someone should come and addresses us in good faith not fight people who ironically, need assistance,” he said.
Contacted for comment, the Minister of State for provincial affairs, Cde Kudakwashe Bhasikiti, said he was in a meeting.
Acting Masvingo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nkululeko Nduna said he was not at work and could not comment.
Meanwhile, reports coming from Chingwizi suggest that there could be some occupants who got injured during the skirmishes with riot police and have been admitted to Chiredzi Hospital.
derick.khumalo