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Raymond Jaravaza
TSHOLOTSHO villagers are up in arms with a local businessman for allegedly allocating himself land meant for communal occupation without the consent of villagers and the local leadership.
Owen Sibanda is said to have raised the ire of villagers in Ward 16, Tsholotsho, after he allegedly grabbed 48 hectares of communal land without the consent of villagers.
The local leadership led by Chief Gampu, born Ashlel Sithole, has summoned Sibanda to a meeting next Monday to iron out the issue.
“I have summoned Sibanda for a meeting on Monday together with my headmen so that we can get to the bottom of the issue so I can’t really comment on the allegations before getting all the facts,” Chief Gampu told B-Metro on Wednesday.
A source, who tipped off this publication about the land grab, said the local businessman had already cleared some of the land for what is believed to be preparation for construction work.
“The council (Tsholotsho Rural District Council) says they did not peg that land for him and the local traditional leaders also have no idea why he parcelled himself 48 hectares of land without their knowledge or approval.
“Some of the land has already been cleared but we don’t really know what plans he has for it,” said the source.
Sibanda claimed the allegations being levelled against him were the work of his enemies.
“I was born and bred in Ward 16, where it’s alleged that I grabbed land, and I’m sure if the story was true then the villagers that are complaining must also include my parents, brothers and sisters because the land grab will also affect them.
“I don’t even know that I have been summoned to a meeting with Chief Gampu and his headmen. It’s all lies that I grabbed communal land,” he said.
Online Reporter