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A HIGH COURT ruling has secured the land rights of several war veterans at Springs Farm in Mashonaland East Province , thwarting an attempt by prominent business tycoon Mr Billy Rautenbach to acquire their plots for urban expansion.
The landmark decision, handed down by Justice Regus Dembure on Thursday, protects the livelihoods of the farmers, most of whom have occupied and developed the land for over two decades.
The High Court Judge ruled decisively in favour of the war veterans, emphasising their significant investment and long-term presence on the farm.
“Some of the applicants have been on the farm since 2002 . . . they have made considerable developments and it is their source of livelihood,” Justice Dembure stated in his ruling at the packed courtroom.
The judgment effectively nullifies the offer of land that had been made to Mr Rautenbach.
Speaking after the ruling, the farmers’ lawyer, Professor Lovemore Madhuku, confirmed the implications: “What the ruling means is that the offer of land [to Mr Rautenbach] was set aside.”
The decision was met with jubilation by the affected farmers.
Mr Charles Chanhera, one of the beneficiaries, expressed profound relief. “This means a lot to us. We thank the Judge for applying his mind. It would have been unfathomable to lose our land; on which we have invested so much.”
Cde Silas Ndamba, district chairperson of the War Veterans League and another farmer, hailed the ruling as a validation of the Government’s ongoing land tenure programmes.
“We are happy with the decision. The Judge has made the right decision. This is in line with what the Government is doing to offer title deeds under the Land Tenure Programme.”
Other farmers operating at Springs Farm who celebrated the court victory include former Chitungwiza Mayor and ZANU PF Central Committee member, Cde Joseph Macheka, Mr Unico Chikomo, a war veteran’s son recently recognised as one of the country’s top-performing young farmers by the Ministry of Lands and another prominent former Retired Major Alfred Chademana.
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