Minister thrown out of Mutasa ally farm

MANICALAND Provincial Affairs minister Mandi Chimene’s attempt to takeover a Rusape farm belonging to ousted Presidential Affairs minister Didymus Mutasa’s former aide hit a brickwall yesterday after the High Court ordered that she should vacate the property.

By Everson Mushava

Chimene invaded Mona Farm early this month after Mutasa described the Zanu PF land reform programme as a “monumental failure”.
The farm is jointly owned by Mutasa’s former aide, Christine Murembwe and Leonard Taylor.

The two were involved in wildlife, tobacco and maize production under a company known as Mona Agri Tourism Company (Private) Limited.

Mutasa, who was thrown out of Zanu PF for allegedly working with former Vice-President Joice Mujuru in an alleged plot to oust President Robert Mugabe, was believed to be the owner of the farm.

Murembwe served as Headlands constituency secretary during Mutasa’s tenure as MP.

High Court judge Justice David Mangota on Wednesday ruled in favour of Murembwe and ordered Chimene off the farm.

“That the second and third respondents, their agents, workers and any person acting on their behalf be and are hereby ordered to immediately vacate the premises and portion of the remainder of Mona Farm in Makoni District measuring 1 118 hectares, subdivision R/E commonly known as Mona-Agri Farm, which they have occupied until this matter is determined on the return date,” part of the ruling by Justice Mangota dated July 15 read.

Chimene was cited as both the second and third respondents.

“That the second and third respondents, their agents, workers and any person acting on her behalf for the purposes of furthering their interest be and hereby ordered to restore the applicant its possessions and control of the remainder of Mona Farm in Makoni District measuring 1 118 hectares.”

Chimene had been given 10 days to file notice of opposition failure, which the matter will be heard as unopposed.

Murembwe claimed she was given the farm on July 8 2008 and entered into a partnership with Taylor.

She denied that Mona Farm belonged to Mutasa and argued that it was unfair for Chimene to drag her into her fights with the former Zanu PF Manicaland godfather, who was also party’s secretary for administration before his fall.

Since Mutasa’s fall, members of the prevailing Zanu PF faction led by Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa have reportedly been battling to disposses him of his properties.

Chimene reportedly has another farm in Mutasa called Sendekera Farm.