War veterans invade Arda farm in Mat North
Saturday, 13 November 2010 20:31
BULAWAYO — A group of war veterans have invaded Balu Estate run by the
Agricultural Rural Development Authority (Arda) in Matabeleland North,
looting the farm produce and dairy cattle in the process.
They also let their livestock graze on a flourishing wheat crop on the
estate.
When The Standard news crew visited the estate last week over 80 war
veterans were camped there after allocating themselves pieces of land.
The war veterans, who call their area Ward 5, said they cannot fail to own
land in their own country when there was a lot of under-utilised land at the
estate.
During our visit on Wednesday one Headman Dube was addressing the new
settlers promising them more land.
He declined to talk to The Standard.
Arda officials and employees said attempts to evict the war veterans have
failed. They claimed that the invaders have the backing of Minister of Mines
Obert Mpofu, who is also the legislator for the area.
“We have failed to evict the war veterans with the help of the police,” said
an Arda employee who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation.
BY NQOBANI NDLOVU