VICE-PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday evaded questions about the volatile and emotive situation at Maleme Ranch, claiming he was not aware of what was happening.
STAFF REPORTER
Mnangagwa’s statements in Parliament could be a reflection of the government’s indifference to the villagers in Matobo, who have, for months been fighting the takeover of the farm by a State security agent, Rodney Mashingaidze.
The Vice-President’s response came after Matabeleland South legislator Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga (MDC) questioned him on what the government was doing to prevent conflicts in communities.
Misihairabwi-Mushonga asked Mnangagwa, as the leader of government business in the house, how they were handling the situation, as chiefs and their aides were being arrested for resisting the farm takeover.
She asked what Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko’s role was, considering that he had not addressed the issue even though he was responsible for the national healing portfolio in the government.
Mphoko like Mnangagwa this week, dodged the Maleme issue, staging a no show at a meeting where he was reportedly due to address villagers on the matter.
Mnangagwa asked for question on Maleme to be submitted in writing indicating he might respond next week.
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The vice-president is quickly gaining a reputation of denying knowledge of issues, as only last week he said he did not know what a sanitary pad was.
Mashingaidze was allocated the farm late last year, but the community, including chiefs have been vehemently opposed to its acquisition.
On Tuesday, 12 villagers appeared in court on allegations of kidnapping Mashingaidze’s employees, but observers fear they were just being victimised for opposing the farm takeover.
In an unprecedented show of solidarity and resistance, some villagers volunteered to be arrested on the allegations of kidnapping.
Villagers have vowed to stage a vigil at Maleme, owned by Peter Cunningham, to ensure that the State spy does not set foot on it.
