- Hi Jeff,
-
- I'm enclosing a "live" report from Zimbabwe,
from the Commercial Farmer's union showing in detail what is happening.
It shows in great detail what is going on.
-
- Note, in the last paragraph, for example how a Member
of Parliament is getting a farm and how his wife went to the farmer's house
to measure for the curtains!!!
-
- Lots of hideous stuff....all the material the stupid
media miss (because they are myopic and see only what they want to see).
-
- Regards,
Jan
-
-
- COMMERCIAL FARMERS' UNION
-
- Farm invasions and Security Report Thursday 3rd January,
2002.
-
- This report does not purport to cover all the incidents
that are taking place in the commercial farming areas. Communication problems
and the fear of reprisals prevent farmers from reporting all that happens.
Farmers names, and in some cases farm names, are omitted to minimise the
risk of reprisals.
-
- NATIONAL REPORT IN BRIEF
-
- Mashonaland West (North) - Karoi:
-
- A group of over two hundred people, consisting mainly
of ZANU PF youths, intimidated workers at a Karoi farm, stripped, and assaulted
ten suspected opposition supporters, one seriously. The assaulted workers
have declined to report the incident to the police for fear of retribution.
Midlands -Kwekwe - On New Years Eve, on Mooirivier Farm, about 70 people
arrived during the night and severely beat the farm workers in the farm
village, injuring several. Two nights later, there was an attempted break
in at the homestead.
-
-
- Mashonaland West (South) Chegutu/Suri-Suri:
-
- - On Ardlui Farm two Municipal tipper trucks arrived
loaded with about 40 ZANU (PF) youths armed with three quarter inch iron
bars etc. The two farmers were abducted, and subsequently assaulted with
fists, resulting in one of them losing hearing in one ear. Two of the foremen
were assaulted. The farmers and the workers were made to chant ZANU (PF)
slogans etc. On San Fernando the farmer had a stone catapulted at him,
which cracked his windscreen.
-
-
- Central Mashonaland - Bindura:
-
- - The area has been generally quiet over the Festive
Season, with the exception of the movement of the Youth Brigade, attempting
to gather youths on various farms. On Zakwana Farm, on the 1st of January
2002, a group of people arrived and began chanting and singing. Some of
the labourers were beaten, and the illegal settlers moved onto the fields,
where the farmer has grown soya beans, and claimed the crop as their own.
Discussions are under way between the owner and the settlers to resolve
the issue. Manicaland - Chimanimani: There are now 17 structures on Charleswood
farm and there is an Army Lieutenant in permanent residence.
-
-
- Masvingo - Chiredzi:
-
- On Palm River Ranch harassment continued over the holiday
period, by an individual called Mr Mapanzure, who continues to wreak havoc
in both communal and commercial sectors. He arrived, drunk, on Palm River
Ranch, with 500 illegal occupiers. Police and other officials are meeting
today to try to resolve the issue.
-
- Mashonaland East - Wedza:
-
- - W.V. Kwaipa, allegedly took 3 people to the base camp
at Chakadenga, where he beat them so severely that one died, a further
person died on arrival in hospital, and the third was severely injured.
Support Unit arrived and took Kwaipa away. He arrived back in the area
the next day and has been sending youth around demanding money, in case
he has to make a court appearance. He has also informed labour on several
farms that they are not allowed to plant maize without his permission,
i.e. around their houses in the farm villages, and that they must pull
out any maize they have planted by today, or he will destroy the farm villages.
He also told the owner of Chakadenga that he must remove all his cattle.
-
- Matabeleland - No report received.
-
- General - Section 8 Orders continue to be served countrywide.
A2 resettlement is taking place with ZANU (PF) M.P.'s, one of whom is a
Deputy Minister, as well as highly placed civil servants from the Military,
Local Government, the Police Force, Ministry of Lands etc. moving on to
properties and in quite a few cases wanting to move into the owners home.
On one property, a ZANU (PF) M.P. gave the manager thirty days to leave
the property, and his wife has measured up for curtains in the house.
-
- REGIONAL NEWS MANICALAND
-
- General: Several Section 8 Orders have been issued.
-
- Nyazura: War Vets on Clare Farm are trying to force the
Manager to allow them the use of the tobacco curing barns. The police have
been called in to resolve the matter. Old Mutare: On Wlvedvrien farm dairy
cattle ate 23 maize plants belonging to settlers, as a result of which
the owner and father were barricaded in the homestead. The situation was
eventually resolved. Chimanimani: There are now 17 structures on Charleswood
farm and there is an Army Lieutenant in permanent residence.
-
- MASVINGO Chidza Farm: despite the fact that the property
is delisted, illegal occupiers are still present, and problems continue.
43 communal cattle are on the farm and the owner has been prevented from
planting 130ha of sorghum in a land, in which illegal occupiers have half-heartedly
planted 2ha of crops.
-
- On Heathcote farm the owner has received a Section 8
Order. On Lamotte farm illegal occupiers are still present and problems
continue. Clipsham farm is inundated with illegal occupiers. On Beauty
farm disruption of cattle management continues. The owner has received
a Section 7 Notice for Waterfalls and Ledard farm. Lothian farm -The owner's
homestead has again been broken into and is now being occupied by Mr Maseva.
-
- Yellom and Marah farms- the owner's house has been broken
into and is occupied by property belonging to "Kid Muzenda."
-
- On Bon Air farm a donkey belonging to the illegal occupiers
has been chopped with an axe, at the base of its spinal cord. The matter
has been reported to the SPCA.
-
- Chiredzi: On Palm River Ranch harassment continued over
the holiday period by an individual called Mr Mapanzure, who continues
to wreak havoc in both communal and commercial sectors. He arrived, drunk,
on Palm River Ranch, with 500 illegal occupiers. Police and other officials
are meeting today to try to resolve the issue.
-
- On BJB Ranch - the owner has received a Section 8 Order.
Meetings were held over the holiday period between the owner and illegal
occupiers, who were extremely hostile and angry - a deadlock was reached.
The meeting was interrupted by M.P. Baloyi, who said that the owner's cattle
had every right to stay on his farm and should not be interfered with.
-
-
- Nashanga and Chigwete Ranches - the owner has received
Section 8 Orders for both of these properties. The Army and the Police
have been preventing him, and his anti-poaching unit, from entering the
properties for the past six weeks, but they suddenly left before Christmas.
A Land Cruiser and a tractor, which had been stolen by the illegal occupiers,
were recovered several days later and police have refused to prosecute.
-
- On Saccharine farm and Maioio Ranch officials from Agritex
have been visiting the property making statements that they will return
to claim their plots, which they had pegged earlier in the year. On Favershalm
Ranch harassment continued over the holiday period. Pressure from illegal
occupiers continued on Eaglement Ranch Section 8 Orders have been received
on Buffalo Range, Crown Ranch, Melrose Ranch, and Glendevon.
-
-
- Mwenezi: In general farm gates are being left open, fences
continue to be cut, snaring and burning, building and deforestation continue
unabated. Section 8 Orders have been issued to the following properties:
Wentzelhof Ranch, Battlefieds Ranch, Merrivale Ranch, Benjani Ranch, Malumba
ranch, Valley Ranch, Asveld Ranch, Lot 21A of Nuanetsi Ranch, Alandia Ranch,
Turf Ranch, Sheba Ranch, Umjanjele Ranch, Sarahuni Ranch, Mcheni Ranch,
Sonop Ranch.
-
-
- On Lumbergia Farm - continued problems concerning the
management of cattle. The breeding herd have been forced onto the main
Beit Bridge - Masvingo highway. The police, who are alleged to be siding
with the settlers, are providing very little assistance. Poaching and slaughter
of livestock is rife.
-
- On Rienette Ranch a gate has been stolen that leads onto
the railway line, and illegal occupiers have broken a pipeline.
-
-
- On La Pache Farm the owner's cattle have been eating
illegal occupiers crops, but crops have not had adequate protection. As
a result, the owner's cattle were put into a kraal for the day. Police
did resolve, however, that the owner was at fault for not complying with
illegal occupiers demands to remove the cattle, or confine them to a kraal
at night. On Quagga Pan the owner's cattle strayed into the illegal occupiers
crops and as a result, he was locked outside his security fence. The owner
managed to persuade the occupiers that this matter was for the police to
resolve. The cattle were then driven 5km to the end of the farm and confined
to a kraal for the day. 4 animals were axed on their backs during this
incident, and are undergoing treatment. The DA, CIO and police met with
the owner the following day and a satisfactory agreement was reached.
-
-
- Asveld Ranch- the owner had two calls from a Bulawayo
businessman, who had presumably been given, plots on his property. Malumba
- the owner has received calls from Harare businessmen, who has been given
plots on the property. Save Conservancy Area ; poaching and snaring continue.
On certain properties, owners have had harassment from illegal occupiers
and farm workers and foremen been beaten up and chased off the farm. Police
have been slow to respond.
-
- MIDLANDS
-
- Chivhu: On Welkom, Chipisa and Landsdowne Farms, all
beef cattle have been sold. The owner has been told to move all remaining
animals, a few dairy cows and some horses, as soon as possible. On Ingolubi,
the cattle are being chased from paddock to paddock and mixed up. On Monday,
on Veeplaats, 5 horses were chased onto the main road and three were killed,
and on Wednesday, cattle were chased on to the main road and, again, three
were killed. There are now no more cattle on this farm and the owner has
been told to vacate, even though he has never been served a Section 8 Order.
On Jackals Bank, a farm of only 405 Ha, the owner was told to clear part
of the farm of cattle. The farm has never been designated.
-
- Kwekwe: Pivot sprinklers have been stolen from Jenville.
On Brimley Estates, there was a break in on Sunday night and food; money,
a cellphone and a calculator stolen. The thieves were not heard, probably
because occupiers on neighbouring Wajere had brought in tractors and were
making a lot of noise and disturbance. Riverbend Farm was broken into on
Monday night, the same gang who were at Brimley are suspected, but it seemed
that only cold drinks and food were stolen. Previously, irrigation equipment
was stolen and the police know who the culprit is, but are afraid to arrest
him. On rented grazing on Sable, four cattle were stolen on the 26th December,
and on Belgrave hunting dogs attacked a kudu. Police are responding. A
number of section 8 Orders have been issued in the area. So far, it appears
that all farmers have been told they may continue farming. Poaching and
snaring continues unabated. On New Years Eve, on Mooirivier Farm, about
70 people arrived during the night and beat up the farm workers in the
farm village severely injuring several. Two nights later, there was an
attempted break in at the homestead.
-
-
- MASHONALAND CENTRAL
-
- Bindura - The area has been generally quiet over the
Festive Season, with the exception of the movement of the Youth Brigade,
attempting to gather youths on various farms. On Zakwana Farm, on the 1st
of January 2002, a group of people arrived and began chanting and singing.
Some of the labourers were beaten, and the illegal settlers moved onto
the fields, where the farmer has grown soya beans, and claimed the crop
as their own. Discussions are under way between the owner and the settlers
to resolve the issue.
-
- Glendale - Two farms in the area reported that their
Security Guards had been forced out of their houses and off the farms.
The farms involved are Mukoko and Murifumbi. Generally, the area has been
quiet with plenty of ploughing by the DDF tractors taking place. Shamva
- This area has been relatively quiet over the Festive Season, with only
one report of an attempted stoning of a vehicle near SOS Village.
-
-
- Mvurwi - On Farfields Farm a work stoppage was called
on the 17th of December 2001, as the settlers were demanding to move into
the labourers' houses. The owner agreed, and said that all the contract
workers would be relocated to Eastwolds, whereupon the settlers were told
to vacate the barns so that they could be used for tobacco. Once the labour
force had vacated their houses, the settlers refused to move, claiming
that the accommodation was inadequate. On the 28th of December another
work stoppage was called as the settlers refused to have the tobacco, which
had been collected from Amersham, after a hail storm, and brought to Farfields,
loaded into the barns and alternative barns had to be found. On The 30th
of December, the illegal settlers demanded to speak to the owner. He was
ordered to remove all bulk curers, moveable assets and the labour to Eastwolds
Farm immediately. The farm manager was given 48 hours to vacate the farm.
The labourers then returned to work. The settlers went to the surrounding
farms and returned with settlers from Msitwe and Delken Farms and threatened
the manager. Later in the day the youth from Birkdale Farm and Chingoma
Farm arrived, surrounded the manager's house, and threatened his wife in
his absence. The labourers refused to attend a pungwe. The manager returned
with the Police and the situation was diffused. The youth left the farm
at 3am, after beating two of the labourers from Farfield. They were taken
to a doctor in Mvurwi, who provided them with a medical report. The owner
spoke to the Member In Charge at the ZRP who sent representatives back
with him to speak to the illegal settlers. The owner was given back the
use of the bulk curers, and the settlers were told not to interfere with
the farming operations. Both the settlers and the labour were warned to
coexist. They were told that if the problems persisted then only 14 labourers
would be allowed to remain and tend the crops, and the settlers were threatened
with removal back to the reserve.
-
- On Msonedi Estate the owner was stopped from sending
his labourers to another farm where they undertake piece work, whilst the
farming operations had been halted on his farm. Quite a number of farmers
in the area have been doing this to supplement their labourer's wages.
The owner has gone to speak to the Member in Charge to see if the situation
can be resolved.
-
- Horseshoe - At Amajuba Farm the war veterans demanded
that one of the labourers be dismissed immediately, and that all the employees
who had been forced off the farm, and are living in Harare, be dismissed
as they are MDC supporters. They then said that if this were done peace
would prevail on the farm. At Tiaseka Farm the owner was asked to provide
transport for the war veteran Shadreck, and the youth to the farm in order
to begin with the "Education Of The People." The farmer refused
but they came anyway. Shadreck, assaulted three workers, which was reported
to the police, by the owner, but no charges were laid as further victimization
was feared.
-
- At Dunaverty an armed robbery took place in the early
hours of New Years morning between 3 and 3:30am. The guard was held at
gunpoint by 2 armed robbers. They said they would shoot the guard as he
would be able to identify them. They made off with money, a radio and weapons.
They were apprehended 500m from the Police Station, but managed to escape.
All the firearms were recovered. The Police believe the robbers to be the
same as the 2 who murdered someone in the Kachuta area, NW of Guruve. It
was reported that the Police had enlisted the help of the CIO and the detail
known as CHIGADORA, visited the farm and said that the robbery was committed
by 15 MDC youths, whose leader is from Harare and whose name is BITTI.
They went on to tell the labourers that if Zanu PF lost the elections the
army would come in and sort it out ( another Gukurahundi).
-
- At Muzhanje Farm the office was broken into early on
New Year's morning, whilst the farmer was away. At Norwe Farm the labour
force went on strike as there is no maize meal in the store. The manager
has reported that the meal has been ordered but that it had not as yet
been delivered. The Police were called in. The strike was called off today
and the labourers are back at work.
-
- Victory Block - On the morning of the 2nd of January
2002, a lorry, belonging to the owner of Msitwe Farm, unfortunately struck
a settler's child, who ran across the road. The farmer's driver drove the
lorry. The child has been taken to the hospital in Mvurwi and no further
details are available.
-
- On Kelson Ranch at 1.15 pm on the 2nd of January 2002
a Mr. Maremo and three youths arrived on the farm. They were accompanied
by a tall bearded man, and a driver in a Toyota Raider, registration no:
749 - 953 Q, which was dark grey in colour. They gathered outside the security
gate of the farmhouse, where they assembled all the farm workers and women.
They demanded to see the owner, who was having his lunch and refused. The
owner's son went out to speak to them. They demanded extra money in addition
to the gratuities, which had already been paid to the farm workers. They
wanted to know why the farmer was continuing to feed the farm workers.
They then ordered all the farm workers to vacate their houses and leave
the farm within the next two weeks. They attempted to abduct the owner's
son, to be held as a hostage, until their demands were met. After some
manhandling, Mr. Maremo said that they were to take this as a warning,
and that they would be back on Monday to carry out his threats. The Police
at Mvurwi have been informed.
-
- Centenary - The area has been relatively quiet over the
festive season with only one report from Kungwa Farm where an incident
occurred but was resolved peacefully.
-
- MASHONALAND WEST (NORTH)
-
- Karoi : A group of over two hundred people, consisting
mainly of ZANU PF youths, intimidated workers at a Karoi farm, stripped,
and assaulted ten suspected opposition supporters, one seriously. The assaulted
workers have declined to report the incident to the police for fear of
retribution.
-
- MASHONALAND EAST
-
- Beatrice: On Nebo Farmthe labour had been threatened
by illegal settlers, if they didn't attend a meeting to be held later that
day. Brakveld 'A' Farm - 10 members of the labour force were beaten up
by illegal settlers that night. Constantia Farm - 6 labourers were beaten
up and the remainder threatened that night. GENERAL - House/workshop break-ins
and general crime on the increase, mainly due to apathy on behalf of local
ZRP Enterprise\Bromley\
-
- Ruwa: No report received
-
- Featherstone: Calais The owner was warned that all dairy
cattle must be moved off farm. The DA was advised and gave the owner a
letter, saying settlers are not to interfere with the dairy or the animals.
10 days later illegal settlers chased the animals to the neighbouring farm
for the owner's brother to milk. The DA was advised and called a meeting
with settlers - situation still not resolved.
-
- Lot 2 Kuruman - The owner was told to remove all cattle
from the farm (mainly dairy). PA advised, and told DA to inform the settlers
to leave the cattle alone. DA not being co-operative on this farm. Situation
not resolved.
-
- Sable Flats - Workers assaulted and told to move out
of houses. Increase in theft of irrigation equipment and fencing, and poaching
and snaring activities increased. Perseverance Farm - Continuous threats
and workers being harassed. Harare South : Auks Nest - A delegation arrived
and told the owner that everyone had to be off the farm, by 12 noon the
following day, and all the sheds had to be opened. Some illegal settlers
arrived the next day, and the owner was uncooperative. Macheke Virginia:
Marylands 8 Labour seriously assaulted by Illegal Settlers. The owner was
not on the farm at the time, and the clerk attempted to take the victims
to the hospital in the farm truck, but was stopped by the illegal settlers,
who threatened to burn the vehicle if they were taken to hospital . The
owner arrived on the farm, and was able to negotiate for the labour to
be taken to the hospital, and for the Police to take statements. The DA
visited the farm and informed the owner that a cow should be slaughtered
to appease the illegal settlers, and that the Labour should all attend
a party in Murehwa.
-
- Fault Farm - Chief Inspector Dube arrived at Macheke
Club to plough and plant his maize, He asked for a room from the club,
which was refused, but he proceeded to plough up the land surrounding the
club. Springs Farm - RRB 00432 . One cow slaughtered and calf hamstrung.
Police reacted but no suspect caught. Mignon RRB 00443 Ambush laid to catch
the thieves of 60 irrigation sprinklers, 4 thieves came but no one caught.
Matter reported to the Police. The suspect is known.
-
- Spes Bona - Theft of battery, linked to man who stole
pump from Koodoo Range Thief apprehended. Chirunji - Neighbour found three
Illegal Settlers all armed with guns on the farm, they said that they were
hunting "pigs". Local security company is following up incident.
-
- Marondera North : A2 settlers have been to inspect allocated
plots on various farms - some without section 8 Orders. They are in possession
of a 99 year lease agreement signed by Minister Made. There has been a
request for an owner to vacate his homestead for the settlers.
-
- Marondera South: Nothing to report.
-
- Wedza: HULL - 10 yearling heifers missing - Brand FFF.
Markwe - A cow was caught in a snare on Numwa Rusfontein - This farm received
a Section 8 Order last week - it was acquired by Government and resettled
6 years ago!! W.V. Kwaipa allegedly took 3 people to the base camp at Chakadenga,
where he beat them so severely that one died, a further person died on
arrival in hospital, and the third was severely injured. Support Unit arrived
and took Kwaipa away. He arrived back in the area the next day and has
been sending youth around demanding money, in case he has to make a court
appearance. He has also informed labour on several farms that they are
not allowed to plant maize without his permission - i.e. around their houses
in the farm villages, and that they must pull out any maize they have planted
by today, or he will destroy the farm villages. He also told the owner
of Chakadenga that he must remove all his cattle.
-
- Welton - 4 dogs were shot but the poachers got away Msasa
- Illegal settlers, from a neighbouring farm, cut fences to take 2 scotch
carts through to Markwe. The Police did react.
-
- Mbima - A DDF tractor arrived on Friday and has been
ploughing up a Rhodes grass pasture. Merryhill - a cow was slaughtered.
Brickleigh - A letter was received addressed to the owners' son, saying
that this was a final reminder that he was supposed to be off the farm
by the end of October. He now had until the 28th to get off. If he failed
to comply, he must be man enough to face the consequences. The letter was
signed by warvet Sigauke Makukasu.
-
- MASHONALAND WEST SOUTH
-
- Norton: - Wilbered Farm report that a neighbouring farmer
is cultivating for the occupiers. On Tilford a lot of building is taking
place, some of which is of a permanent nature.
-
- Selous: - On Exwick - Wing Commander Mazamban has made
further threats regarding taking over the homestead. Makoni has tapped
in to the water supply leaving the owner with virtually no water.
-
- Chegutu/Suri-Suri: - On Ardlui Farm two Municipal tipper
trucks arrived loaded with about 40 ZANU (PF) youths, armed with three
quarter inch iron bars etc. The two farmers were abducted, and subsequently
assaulted with fists, resulting in one of them losing hearing in one ear.
Two of the foremen were also assaulted. The farmers and the workers were
made to chant ZANU (PF) slogans etc. On San Fernando the farmer had a stone
catapulted at him, which cracked his windscreen.
-
- Kadoma/Chakari/Battlefields - On Railway Farm 4 continual
harassment has been taking place for some time, with the owner forced to
attend ZANU (PF) meetings, and to supply beer etc, under serious threats.
He was forced to give the illegal occupiers a cow for Christmas. They chose
the Beefmaster Bull, valued at approximately $150,000, which they shot
and ate. Police are not prosecuting. The owner's cattle have become wild,
due to continual harassment by illegal occupiers, and some of them got
into unfenced maize, being grown by illegal occupiers. The owner had $108,000
extorted from him, which he had to pay under duress. He was abducted from
his house, late at night, by a militant group of illegal occupiers, armed
with knobkerries, and told to move out of his house the next day. Illegal
occupiers have also stopped all work on his chicken unit. Eventually he
had to agree to give the illegal occupiers the 72 cattle remaining on the
property.
-
- On Normandy North - Illegal occupiers beat up the owner's
driver, for collecting the body of a deceased foreman from the farm village.
The worker, who was staying in the house, whilst the owner was away for
Christmas, also had the owner's cellphone confiscated by illegal occupiers.
A large deep freeze of meat was stolen, as the owner had to de-stock all
his beef, dairy, and the majority of his sheep, due to rampant stock theft,
which Chief Inspector Makaza did nothing about. When the owner phoned Chief
Inspector Makaza he just laughed. On Alabama the owner and manager are
being forced to move off all their property, and to hand over the keys
to two of the homesteads. They are now camping in the third homestead,
with hardly any furniture. Chief Inspector Makaza is doing nothing to resolve
this situation. On Hellaby Farm the house was broken into and the owner
has been forced out of his house. On Kanyemba there is heavy snaring amongst
the cattle with one calf slaughtered recently. Lots of illegal mining is
also taking place, both on this farm and throughout the Kadoma district.
The Mining Commissioner is unable to control the situation due to no backup
from Police. On Blue Grass the owner has to move all his property off.
On Mazarati illegal occupiers are still living in the owner's house and
there is little, or no help from Chief Inspector Makaza.
-
- General - Section 8 Orders continue to be served within
the area. A2 resettlement is taking place with ZANU (PF) M.P.'s, one of
whom is a Deputy Minister, as well as highly placed civil servants from
the Military, Local Government, the Police Force, Ministry of Lands etc.
moving on to properties and in quite a few cases wanting to move into the
owners home. On one property, a ZANU (PF) M.P. gave the manager thirty
days to leave the property, and his wife has measured up for curtains in
the house. A2 settlers are being given thirty days to establish a presence
on the property and being told that they will forfeit it if they do not.
Chegutu District Administrator has been moving around farms getting the
farmers to plough for the illegal occupiers. In the current climate of
terror, farmers feel it is unwise not to comply.
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