Illegal settlers occupying Cyrene Farm, owned by the Anglican Province of Central Africa Church’s Diocese of Matabeleland, have been served with eviction notices and given 30 days to vacate the property.
The farm, located in Figtree, Matabeleland South, was invaded by more than 500 settlers at the height of Zimbabwe’s chaotic land reform programme.
Despite multiple court orders over the years, efforts to remove the settlers have failed amid allegations that authorities and law-enforcement agents have not effectively enforced eviction rulings.
Cyrene Farm manager Albert Sibanda confirmed last week that the settlers were served with eviction notices on Wednesday.
“We managed to serve the illegal settlers with an eviction order on Wednesday. We are counting 30 days from here,” he said, adding that they were awaiting a return of service from the messenger of court.
A notice published on January 19 under the heading Notice to Occupiers of Cyrene Collaton Estate, by the Anglican Diocese of Matabeleland through Calderwood Law Chambers, warned the settlers to vacate the land within 30 days.
"You are occupying the Anglican Diocese of Matabeleland land (private property) illegally. No resettlement, mining or grazing without consent. Vacate within 30 days,” the notice read, warning that eviction would follow without further notice.
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Sibanda said the continued invasion of the farm had severely disrupted operations and endangered staff.
“Illegal settlers are harassing workers, livestock is being stolen and valuable calves have gone missing, affecting our breeding programme and food supplies for Cyrene Boys High School,” he said.
He added that large tracts of grazing land had been taken over, reducing pasture and undermining school-feeding programmes.
"There has been environmental damage, destroying vegetation and rampant poaching of wildlife. There has been an increase in crime, such as unlawful entry, drug abuse from illegal liquor shops, and armed robberies targeting farm workers,” Sibanda said.
“Cultural heritage is being threatened. The Cyrene Mission site is being distorted and farm production is hit hard. Overall productivity is suffering.”
He further alleged that he has been assaulted and received death threats from settlers, with cases pending before the courts for more than four years without resolution.
The Anglican Diocese, he said, holds valid land tenure documents under the Agricultural Land Settlement Act.
“We call on all stakeholders to help restore peace at Cyrene Farm. We urge the Judiciary and law enforcement to protect private property rights and ensure our safety. We appeal to the President and his Executive Cabinet to intervene and restore order. Let's work together to protect our institution, heritage and community,” Sibanda said.
He noted that the 2013 Constitution protects church land from compulsory acquisition. Section 71 safeguards property rights, while provisions under the Land Tenure Act prohibit church land from being gazetted or taken without consent.
In 2021, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission visited Cyrene Farm to investigate alleged human-rights violations by both settlers and police after a church worker reported assault and harassment by police while attempting to lodge a complaint against invaders.
Church sources said the commission was probing how the settlers entered the farm, who authorised the occupation and whether their offer letters were valid, but the findings have not been made public.
The land dispute dates back to more than 26 years. In 2003, the church obtained a High Court eviction order, which was served by the deputy sheriff. However, the settlers later returned to the farm, with police reportedly reluctant to enforce the ruling.
A High Court order issued by Justice George Chiweshe ordered all unlawful occupants to vacate Cyrene Farm immediately, authorising the deputy sheriff, with police assistance, to carry out the eviction if necessary.
Church authorities say fresh invasions are encroaching onto school grounds.
Cyrene Farm houses Cyrene High School, a clinic, a cattle ranch with nearly 300 heads of cattle, 70 pigs and a horticulture project.
