Contents Violence on Commercial Farms
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Violence on Commercial Farms
Burning of workers’ housing
On 20 April 2000 farm invaders set fire to over 100 houses belonging to farm workers at
Rudolphia farm, situated about 30 km east of Harare. The invaders accused the workers of
collaborating with white commercial farmers. The farm belongs to Mr Allen Windram who was
not at the farm at the time. The farm workers had tried to rescue some of their
possessions from the car
Incidents on Farms TOP
The Independent compiled this update on what happened in the previous week from 12
May on the farms:
- Mashonaland Central province: About 200 invaders occupied Viewfield farm and
were demanding food and accommodation. They gave the farm owner an ultimatum on Wednesday
to give in to their demands or risk death. A group of 250 war veterans settled at Drumarda
farm. About 170 of them had by yesterday moved to The Range farm. They were also demanding
food and accommodation.
- Mvurwi: invaders at Forrester D Section farm were demanding transport to attend
Zanu PF rallies. At Glendale, Chirobi farm was occupied by a group of war veterans from
Mazowe and Harare on Tuesday. They threatened to subdivide Kirriedale and Irenedale. The
owner has deserted fearing for his life. About 30 war vets from Chirobi had moved to
Bemersyde farm. Brecon farm was also visited.
- Bindura/Mutepatepa: War veterans threatened to disrupt work at Chiveri and
Condwelani farms if they were not given food, accommodation, and transport. They claimed
compensation for goods, which they said, were lost on the farm the previous time they
occupied it. The Zanu PF supporters climbed a security fence to fish from a dam there.
- Mazowe/Concession: At Iron Mask farm ex-combatants led by a Thomas Mujuru
invaded a butchery and store demanding it should be closed down and threatening to burn it
if that was not done. War veterans in a white Mercedes Benz visited Mazowe Citrus and
demanded part of the farm.
- Harare West/Nyabira: War veterans ordered the farmer at Beachy-Head Estates to
stop planting for future production. They also gave the manager at Oldbury farm a list of
groceries to be supplied to them. A large crowd of ex-combatants at Stableford farm was
pegging stands.
- Harare South: There was a new invasion at Nyambiri on Tuesday. Four men armed
with shotguns were spotted on Braemar and Longlands farms. Seven visited Bhara Bhara farm
demanding monetary donations with threats of a heavy occupation. In Beatrice, Maasplein
farm has been evacuated after the death of farm owner Alan Dunn and threats to the
farmer’s wife and family.
- Marondera: Rodzvlei Estate was invaded again. The invaders were offended by
their colleagues who had moved faster to start pegging the farm. There was disruption of
work at Vilendy farm. Lonely Park farm continues to be a source of tension. Dudley Estates
invaded on Tuesday.
- Wedza: This is one of the country’s hotspots. On Tuesday night war
veterans assaulted workers and damaged property at Moore farm.
- Ruwa/Bromley: Invaders pestered Golden Acres farm manager with demands of basic
supplies.
- Macheke/Virginia: Intimidation stepped up and workers assaulted.
- Mashonaland West province: Three new properties invaded. In Banket at Newlands
Estates, the farmer’s wife was reported to be alone with 25 war veterans occupying
the property. At least 11 war veterans who were pegging the farm have since left. At
Wannock Glen farm, 30 Zanu PF supporters arrived on Tuesday to discipline the foreman who
had evicted a prostitute who wanted to settle in the compound. Ten war veterans also came.
Between 50 and 60 invaders from nearby Chrome Mines were cutting down trees and erecting
shacks on irrigated land for tobacco. Land preparation for wheat stopped at Grainfall and
Piringani farms. TOP
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