Grace Mugabe embroiled in evictions row
http://www.theindependent.co.zw/
October 26, 2012 in News
FIRST Lady Grace Mugabe has courted controversy by allegedly pushing for the
eviction of more than 50 resettled farmers close to her orphanage in Mazowe
to make way for a game park.
Report by Elias Mambo
This is the second time Grace has had resettled farmers forcefully evicted
in Mazowe after first kicking farmers out to make way for the construction
of her orphanage last year.
Residents were furious that Grace invaded already developed and legally
acquired land to erect her orphanage instead of looking for virgin land like
that they were forcefully relocated to. The evicted families have expressed
outrage that they were not given alternative plots but were just being told
to go back where they came from.
“We have been around this place for a long time only to be told to leave
without being offered alternative land or compensation,” said a disgruntled
farmer speaking anonymously. “How does she expect us to build our homes
without compensation? The Mugabes have a penchant for grabbing. They grabbed
farms and now it is our land. We do not know where to go now because we left
our original villages years ago.”
Last year some residents who bought stands in 1998 were issued with eviction
letters and promised alternative accommodation and compensation, but nothing
has materialised to date. Even Justice Ben Hlatshwayo has also been a victim
of eviction by Grace.
Regis Chikowore, a director in the Media, Information and Publicity
ministry, said his office is not aware of the evictions.
“Our office is not aware of such evictions but if there is anything going
on, the affected farmers have to seek advice from their provincial
resettlement board,” said Chikowore. “I think they were issued with notices
a long time ago,” he said.
Many resettled farmers are now facing fresh evictions spearheaded by chiefs,
Zanu PF politicians and senior government officials countrywide.
Last month Mugabe and the Zanu PF politburo were forced to intervene after
senior party officials, war veterans and army generals invaded the Save
Conservancy.