SA protests disruption of citizens’ farming operations
http://www.theindependent.co.zw/
Thursday, 30 September 2010 18:34
THE South African ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mlungisi Makalima, has written to
government seeking its “immediate” intervention to stop the takeover of two
farms in Chegutu and Marondera owned by his country’s citizens. The farms,
according to Makalima, were protected under a Bilateral Investment Promotion
and Protection Agreement (Bippa) between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
In two diplomatic notes sent to the ministries of Lands, Finance, Home
Affairs, Foreign Affairs and Economic Planning and Investment Promotion,
Makalima pleaded with the responsible ministries to provide necessary
protection to the South Africans being harassed on the farms.
The farms in question are Wantage in Chegutu owned by South African investor
Dirk Visagie and Nyamwera farm in Marondera owned by Hellen Newmarch.
Makalima said both Visagie and Newmarch had reported to the South African
embassy on September 28 that their farming operations were being disrupted
by farm invaders.
“On 28 September 2010 Mr Visagie reported to the embassy that a Mr Mudavanhu
has disrupted farming operations by ordering Mr Visagie’s workers to stop
watering the crops and feeding the cattle,” reads one of Makalima’s notes.
“Mr Mudavanhu has further sought to harass Mr Visagie by placing five youths
at the entrance of the farm thereby not allowing him to enter or exit the
farm. Mr Visagie further reports that Mr Mudavanhu has threatened the
manager of the farm with violent action and has stated intention of moving
into Mr Visagie’s homestead.”
The note further states that Visagie acquired Wantage Farm as a foreign
investor and was issued with a “letter of no interest” dated May 12 2001.
Makalima wrote: “Mr Visagie is in further possession of provisional order
(case number HC384/06) granted by Judge (Charles) Hungwe in the presence of
Mudavanhu and his wife in the Harare High Court interdicting Mr Mudavanhu
from interfering with Wantage farm operations; a final order issued by Judge
(Tedias) Karwi endorsing the above provisional order and a further
provisional order granted by Judge (Charles) Hungwe (HC6734/07) stating
that the “the respondents are hereby interdicted from in any way entering
upon Wantage….”
“Mr Visagie finally informs the embassy that he has been acquitted of all
charges relating to occupying gazetted land.”
He said despite all these court interdicts, Visagie “continues to be
harassed and has found it increasingly difficult to receive a positive
reaction from the local police”.
“The embassy wishes to further appeal to the government of the Republic of
Zimbabwe to provide the necessary protection to these South African
citizens.”
In a separate note, the ambassador said Newmarch had her farm occupied
despite a High Court order passed by Judge (Bharat) Patel on May 13 allowing
her to remain on her property and continue farming.
A V Matibiri has occupied the entire farm for the past three weeks, the
ambassador said.
“In light of the High Court order, Mrs Newmarch was given assurances by Mr
Matibiri that she could remain on a section of the farm known as Carlyton
Farm (locally known as Nyamwera farm).
“Mrs Newmarch further informs the embassy that her equipment has remained on
the farm and that Mr Matibiri has denied her access to the said equipment
stating that the equipment now belongs to him,” wrote Makalima.
A Foreign Affairs ministry spokesperson professed ignorance of the note from
Makalima. This is not the first time Makalima has written diplomatic notes
to government. In July he wrote a note to co-Home Affairs minister Theresa
Makone protesting the arrest of two Nyamandlovhu farmers in Matabeleland.
The two farmers, Gary Godfrey and Nigel Fawcett were arrested for refusing
to vacate designated land.
The farmers were said to be protected by Bippas.
Wongai Zhangazha