War ‘Vet’ Invades Allied Timbers
Chimanimani, January 16 2012- A war veteran has invaded Allied Timber
plantations in Chimanimani, claiming that he was allocated the land by
President Mugabe for his role in blowing up Rhodesian petrol tanks in Harare
during the liberation war.
The war veteran, Simpson Manjonjori has occupied spring field farm in
Chizengo area and is already harvesting timber from the farm.
“Allied Timbers are saying this is part of their Estate but the truth of the
matter is that the place was owned by a white man who has since left the
place. I was given this land by the president for my role which I played in
bombing Rhodesian petrol tanks near Rugare in 1978. I have got a letter to
prove what I am saying,” Manjonjori told Radio VOP.
Manjonjori alleged that he was evicted from the property by Joseph
Kanyekanye, Allied Timbers chief executive officer, last year but he has
returned to the farm.
“Kanyekanye came here last year with his workers and demolished my houses
and loaded my property in the company’s truck and dumped me to my rural
area. Now I am back at my land and this time around if he comes again I will
fight to the end,” said Manjonjori.
He accused Kanyekanye of having personal interests in the farm.
“Kanyekanye has already allocated a local headman a portion of the land.
Where does he get authority to allocate land? In my case I have a
confirmation letter from the President but the district land committee is
still processing my offer letter. I am already busy harvesting timber,” he
said.
When reached for comment on his mobile phone, Kanyekanye initially ignored
calls but later told this reporter to text all questions to him on his
mobile phone. However he never responded to the questions.