THE LATE Vice-President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo’s son, Sibangilizwe, yesterday lashed out at people behind the renewed invasion of privately-owned farms and buildings in Matabeleland saying the lawlessness threatened reconciliation and economic revival. SILAS NKALA STAFF REPORTER
Sibangilizwe, who is the chairperson of the Joshua Nkomo Cultural Movement, said his organisation was disgusted by the property grabbing spree.
His remarks come in the wake of deputy chief secretary to the president and Cabinet Ray Ndhlukula’s invasion of Centenary Farm in Figtree. Ndhlukula eventually evicted farm David Connolly last week despite a High Court order barring him from interfering with operations at one of the most productive farms in Matabeleland South.
His workers started camping at the farm in August after the eviction of farm workers from their dwellings.
Sibangilizwe said the latest invasions appeared to be politically motivated and posed negative effects to the economic and social lives of ordinary citizens.
“We appeal to the law enforcement agencies of our country to restore sanity and justice without fear or favour. These continued land and property invasions using spurious excuses are not only in violation of Section 71 (3) of the people’s Constitution, but are also un-African, un-cultural and un-Christian. The acts of destruction deserve to be condemned by all peace loving Zimbabweans in the strongest terms possible,” Sibangilizwe said.
He said his organisation had been mandated by communities and other stakeholders to engage in the process of national healing and reconciliation to bring lasting peace for the sake of social and economic progress in the country.
“We therefore view these invasions and grabs as an affront to that process and to that of the ZimAsset programme,” Sibangilizwe said. The president has emphasised on several occasions that the farm invasions ended in 2002. Those who are continuing with their dastardly acts are doing so against the people’s wishes and outside the president’s approval. We are not going to stand by and watch them destroy what should be the basis of our economic revival.”
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He said the people’s silence must not be mistaken for cultural passivity or acceptance of the evil ways. “This madness will have to end,” Sibangilizwe said.
He said people with energy to invade farms must instead direct that towards the removal of sanctions instead of dispossessing other people of their property.
Other properties that have been invaded by some Zanu PF supporters include the Bulawayo City Council-owned Mazwi Nature Reserve and Hide Park Estate outside Pumula as well as Zapu leader Dumiso Dabengwa’s Ruby Farm in Nyamandlovu.
Police recently evicted invaders that had occupied some farms in Norwood.
