via Kasukuwere summons security chiefs over wildlife sanctuary May 28, 2014 by Moses Matenga NewsDay

ENVIRONMENT, Water and Climate minister Saviour Kasukuwere has reportedly summoned security chiefs and owners of Mjingwe Ranch in Mwenezi to resolve a wrangle over the ownership of the wildlife sanctuary.

This followed the disturbances that rocked the sanctuary when a group led by the security chiefs Police Assistant Commissioner Elliot Muswita and Brigadier-General Josphat

Kudumba threatened to take over the property in defiance of a directive by the Zanu PF special politburo meeting chaired by President Robert Mugabe recently ordering them to vacate the conservancy.

Although Kasukuwere was not immediately available for comment, impeccable government sources said the meeting would be held in Harare on Friday.

“The Mjingwe conservancy community committee and the 25-year lease holders have been summoned to Honourable Kasukuwere’s office so that the government policy made at the politburo meeting can be spelt out,” the source privy to the matter said.

A top government official also said: “Nothing has changed (on the Zanu PF order) and the meeting with Kasukuwere will quickly end the current conflict.”
Kasukuwere’s meeting would be preceded by a community meeting with some war veterans in Mwenezi today.

The security chiefs embroiled in the fight to control the sanctuary defied the Zanu PF politburo directive to stay off the wildlife conservancy, threatening to evict white owner Darryl Collett, who is in a partnership with local traditional chiefs and South African investor Alastair Forsyth.

Collett is also expected to attend the meeting after reportedly fleeing to Bulawayo for his safety.

The group at the centre of the fight also includes Army Captain Solomon Ndlovu of Mbalabala Infantry School, headman Peterson Mhizha Mudumo, Raphael Shoko and Finger Tapera.

Informed sources told NewsDay that following the disturbances over the weekend, some 1 000 villagers from the local community gathered to protest.

The security chiefs want Collett and his partners out so that they take over the ranch.