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Chronicle Reporter

SITHETHELELO Mhlanga, a worried wife and resident of Seafield Valley farm in Umguza, Matabeleland North province, is desperately seeking help to ensure the safe return of her husband, Witness Mpande, who was recently abducted by unknown assailants.

Mpande’s abduction is allegedly linked to a long-standing land dispute with his cousins, who claim the farm he inherited from his late grandfather is more fertile and rightfully theirs. Despite also inheriting cattle from their grandfather, the cousins have been trying to force Mpande and his family off the farm.

“I am living in fear, not knowing if my husband is alive or dead,” Mhlanga said, her voice trembling with emotion. “We have been through so much already, and I just want him back home safely.”

According to Mhlanga, the dispute has been escalating, with one of the cousins using his political connections within the ruling Zanu-PF party to try and force them out. “My husband has even been in trouble with the law, but nothing has been proven,” she said. “It’s like they are using their power to victimise us.”

In the latest attack, the family was assaulted by unknown assailants who allegedly sexually assaulted Mhlanga and took Mpande, demanding the title deeds to the farm. “They came in the night, beating and kicking us, i was even sexually assaulted in the process, worse in front of my children,” Mhlanga recalled. “They took my husband away, saying they would only return him if we handed over the papers to the farm. It’s like they want to destroy us completely.”

Mhlanga pleaded for authorities to intervene and ensure her husband’s safe return. “I just want to live peacefully on our land, like we have always done. Please, someone, help us.”

The family and local community are calling for authorities to take action and put an end to the violent land dispute.