Herald Reporter
Zanu-PF Secretary for War Veterans Cde Victor Matemadanda has said he is negotiating with responsible authorities to ensure villagers in Ngondombi and Mapfungautsi Forest in Gokwe are not evicted.

Addressing hundreds of Zanu-PF supporters in Gokwe over the weekend, Cde Matemadanda said there were some elements who wanted at least 2 000 villagers to be dispersed from the two areas.

“Last week, Chief Njelele together with other village heads came to my office in Harare telling me that people are being told to vacate these villages.

“I then negotiated with authorities who want you to leave.

“Yes, this is a forest area, but our Government says people should be relocated when a new place is found,” he said.

Cde Matemadanda said the move was aimed at tarnishing Zanu-PF’s image in Gokwe.

“We still have elements in our local authorities who were working with former Minister of Local Government Saviour Kasukuwere. Zanu-PF is a party of the people and we don’t want our people to be disturbed,” he said.

He pledged to assist Gokwe with development.

“Gone are the days when Gokwe used to be a laughing stock.

“You see us being mocked on social media, but our President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa, is saying ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’ meaning we will have companies here,” he said.

Chief Njelele thanked President Mnangagwa for elevating Cde Matemadanda to the Politburo.

“We now have a person who will work hard in the Politburo. Cde Matemadanda has worked hard for this constituency.

“Last week he stopped our people from being evicted in Ngondombi and Forest areas.

“That is what we want; people who fight for the development of the community,” he said.