Zanu-PF supporters stage demo over farms

Senior Reporter
A CLIQUE of Zanu-PF supporters is in the eye of a storm for allegedly instigating a wave of farm invasions and protests over alleged unfair allocation of the few remaining farms in the constituency. The quartet of Innocent Magutakuona, Vindex Mhuruyengwa, Elliot Geza and Afiya Ingiresi was last week arrested and detained overnight at ZRP Rusape Central Police Station for causing disturbances at Fairfield 10 Estate, Lesbury Estate, Padeswood and Kelvin Farms.

The four, on Monday mobilised a demo, but police thwarted their proposal to toyi-toyi from the main highway to Headlands hall fearing that it might denigrate into chaos.
The demonstrators gathered at Headlands Hall where their leaders Mr Magutakuona and Mhuruyengwe took turns to attack the Minister of State Affairs for Manicaland Cde Mandi Chimene.

They were later addressed by Cde Chingosho. Cde Chingosho was given a petition.
Cde Chimene was accused of unfair land allocation.
Cde Chimene refused to comment over the matter saying she was travelling.
“I am travelling and will grant an interview to respond to that matter tomorrow (Thursday),” said Cde Chuimene.

Investigations by The Manica Post into the allegations raised in the petition showed that some of the facts were false.
The paper has also established that Chief Makoni was allocated together with philanthropist Dr Solomon Guramatunhu and a one Mungwari.
The bid to oust Chief Makoni follows an approach to Ministry of Lands by emissaries from the Chipunza requesting that he be allocated a farm elsewhere since the two were embroiled in a land boundary dispute.

Cde Chingosho is a descendant of the Chipunza clan and is being accused of using political muscle to settle traditional boundary dispute.
The replacement of Mr Mutasa by Cde Chingosho has turned out to be a major boost to the suppressed Chipunza clan.
Padewoods Farm has been allocated to Platinum Agriculture, whose director and occupant is Mr Dakarai Mapuranga.

The group also targeted Kelvin Farm (1 040ha) allocated to Professor Francis Gudyanga, Mrs Elizabeth Sharara, Booker Chinamasa, Mrs Theresa Mupanduki, a diplomat only identified as Mr Kabara.

In the petition it was alleged the farm was allocated to Prof Gudyanga and Finance Minister Cde Patrick Chinamasa, which is not the case.
They alleged Chinamasa was allocated 650ha, when Mr Booker Chinamasa (not the Ministers’ son) was allocated 100ha. Other beneficiaries have plots of 30ha to 50ha.
Lesbury Estate was allocated to Chief Tandi (William Samhungu), Bishop Trevor Manhanga and Mr David Nyakuonda. The ministry of lands has set aside a portion for A1 five hectares plots.

The invasion was targeted at Bishop Manhanga and Chief Tandi. The invaders have joined forces with one Mr Muchatisi, who is involved in a chieftainship wrangle with Chief Tandi, to push him out.
Cde Chingosho admitted that the matter was sensitive and need edto be handled properly.

He denied being the architect of the drama.
“These are desperate people. You know we had people who were arrested last week at the instigation of Mr Gwasira (Chief Makoni). People acted in sympathy with the white farmer. They are fighting against Gwasira saying he was not supposed to be at the farm. The farm was meant for the people of Headlands. People are resisting his occupation of the farm.

“The same applies to Lesbury Farm; people of Tandi are fighting against Bishop Manhanga. They also have a feeling that Minister Chinamasa should have subdivided a portion for his son, not at Kelvin Farm. The farm should be set aside for A1, not for Prof Gudyanga and Chinamasa,” said Cde Chingosho.
Cde Chingosho was evasive when asked if the militant approach by those surrounding him was the best approach.

“No it is not me, but it is the people who are doing that. I am not involved. If I was consulted, I would have advised them not to be confrontational. Look, they had invited people who they think matter to address them. It is unfortunate they did not attend,” said Cde Chingosho.
He denied using the political muscle to push out Chief Makoni.

“I am not the best person to answer that. I have nothing to do with the boundary disputes between my Chipunza clan and Makonis. I am for everybody. The boundary issue is not mine to handle, but the responsible ministry.

“What I can only advise is that the sooner the matter of boundary issues is resolved the better. We have dual traditional structures and it is confusing,” said Cde Chingosho.