Apostles invade Chipinge dairy farm
http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk
Written by Tony Saxon
Wednesday, 08 June 2011 09:22
CHIPINGE – Members of the controversial Johanne Marange Apostolic sect loyal to President Robert Mugabe have invaded one of Zimbabwe’s biggest dairy farms.
A few individuals from the sect, who are directly benefiting from Zanu (PF),
and some youth militia invaded Spillemeer Farm last Wednesday. Other sect
members were quick to dissociate themselves from the invasion.
“I can confirm there was an invasion of a farm in Chipinge. This was done by
some individuals who have been given money and presents from Zanu (PF). God does not call for such action. It is unholy for church members to invade
someone’s property,” said a senior member.
The sect’s leader, Noah Taguta, a well-known Zanu (PF) supporter, reportedly
masterminded the invasion. The farmer, Francois Kotze, said that he was in
the process of moving off his property. “I was intimidated by some youths.
They have an offer letter that claims the farm belongs to them,” said Kotze.
The Commercial Farmers Union is trying to negotiate with the invaders to
allow farmers to continue their operations. CFU President Deon Theron said
the suspension of the SADC Tribunal had made an already bad situation even
worse. The few remaining commercial farmers face a fresh onslaught of
invasions by Zanu (PF) land grabbers, in the wake of the closure of the
regional human rights court.