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Midlands Correspondent
CHIEF Nhema of Shurugwi has reportedly unleashed a group of youths to protect a commercial white farmer, Jane Dyer, whose farm was acquired by government for the resettlement programme.

The youths who are allegedly acting at the behest of the chief have since occupied the farm, Wallclose Farm, to block the new owner, Josiya Magenga from occupying it.

Shurugwi district administrator, Joram Chimedza wrote a letter on Monday highlighting the case to the province’s leadership.

The letter dated November 3 was copied to the provincial administrator Cecilia Chitiyo, provincial lands officer Joseph Shoko and the officer commanding police in Midlands Senior Assistant Commissioner Shadreck Mubaiwa advising the trio of the developments.

Part of the letter reads:

“Mr Josiya Magenga has lawful authority to occupy subdivision 1 of subdivision 2 Wallclose Farm, a decision which was reached by the issuing authority, Minister of Lands which empowers him to effect production and developmental plans on the same farm without disturbance.

“All those who are disturbing and terrorising Magenga, claiming ownership of the existing structures are pushing an illegal agenda. Local leadership, traditional leaders and the community within the vicinity of the property have no legal right to claim ownership of the existing structures or to direct the land committees on who to benefit from the property. The law should take its course on those who are creating confusion on the farm.”

Shoko acknowledged receipt of the letter and said police will soon be deployed to the farm to restore sanity.

“As the ministry (of Lands and Resettlement) we’ve received the report and the police will soon be deployed on the farm so that the rightful owners of the farm can continue with their farming activities.

“As for the chief (Nhema) we can’t take action against him because our hands are tied since issues to do with traditional leaders are dealt with by the Ministry of Local Government,” said the provincial lands officer.

Chief Nhema is not new to controversy. He was almost taken to court in April after illegally resettling about 300 families in Chirumanzu on a piece of land earmarked as pastures.

Efforts to get comment from Chief Nhema were futile as he phone rang unanswered.