via 350 families homeless | The Herald November 19, 2013 by George Maponga

At least 354 families were left homeless and are living in the open after they were last week evicted from Ruware Ranch in the Chiredzi River Conservancy which has been their home since early 2000.

The families had moved from Bikita, Zaka, Mwenezi, Chiredzi and Gutu in search of farming land.

Last week the families were allegedly evicted from Ruware Ranch by police and the Messenger of Court to pave way for 19 indigenous conservancy operators who were allocated Chiredzi River Conservancy under the wildlife-based land reform.

Some of the families were evicted and ferried by lorries before being dumped near Manjirenji Dam – 25 kilometres away others were taken 40 kilometres away to a bushy area near Checheche business centre in Manicaland province.

The families argue that they were left virtual destitutes further alleging that they left behind some of their possessions like livestock.

Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Kudakwashe Bhasikiti yesterday said he was still to get a full report about the eviction of the families.

“I have not yet received a report about that issue and I hope to be briefed tomorrow (Tuesday) during our routine meeting and that is when we will be able to come up with the way forward,’’ he said.