BY OWN CORRESPONDENT
The wrangle over one of the most productive farms in Matabeleland North has taken a nasty turn after a National University of Science and Technology (Nust) lecturer allegedly invaded the property.
Dumisani Madzivanyati, the Nust lecturer, allegedly took over Esidakeni Farm in Umguza from its owners Sipho Malunga, Charles Moyo and Zeph Dlamini, a top Nust official.
Madzivanyati allegedly first visited Esidakeni in the company of one Davison Gumbo early in the week.
Gumbo allegedly brought a gang on Thursday that violently took over the farm and chased away all the workers.
This is despite the fact that a case brought by the farm owners challenging the parcelling out of the property is still pending before the High Court.
“The case is in the High Court,” Malunga posted on Facebook on Friday.
“We have elaborated our side and are waiting for the responses from every respondent we cited, yet the farm grabbers have now invaded the farm.
“Dumisani Madzivanyati came with a certain Davison Gumbo a few days ago.
“Last night Gumbo came with a gang and told our farm manager to leave.
“(He said) Zeph Dhlamini is now barred from coming to the farm.
“(They) ordered workers to shut down all boreholes, irrigation pumps and “dismissed” the entire workforce and “locked” us out.
He added: “We reported to (THE Zimbabwe Republic Police).
“They are afraid of the High Court.
“This was always a land grab and Gatsha Mazithulela and CIO and (Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs minister) Richard Moyo are all over it.
“We will defend ourselves, our rights and our workers. They will have to kill us.”
Malunga, Moyo and Dlamini argue that they bought the farm from the previous owner.
They accuse Zanu PF politicians and CIO operatives of persecuting them after attempts to muzzle into their project failed.
The farm invasion comes at a time when President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government claims that the forcible seizure of farms has ended.