The Sunday News
Munyaradzi Musiiwa Midlands Correspondent
ZANU-PF legislator for Redcliff Cde Harris Ncube, who had been fingered in the Deep Den Farm invasion in Silobela, has denied having a hand in the illegal occupation of the farm by over 200 families from Lower Gweru.The farm belongs to Ms Molly Muhlwa and not the late national hero Cde Sydney Malunga as we reported last week. Ms Muhlwa is wife to Mr Joseph Malunga, the late national hero’s brother.
Cde Ncube professed ignorance over the invasion of the farm despite some Government officials alleging that the farm invaders were given his blessing.
“I am not involved in the invasion of the farm which you are talking about. In fact, I do not know where that farm is located. This is my first time to hear about that farm and the invasion. I will have to find out from responsible authorities.
“I’m not responsible for the invasions because like you have said the invaders are from Lower Gweru, therefore, they do not fall under my constituency. I do not have any obligation to lobby for land for those people,” he said.
The invading families had also claimed that they were authorised by Gweru District Administrator Mr Peter Mahlatini to invade the farm.
Mr Mahlatini said because the farm is in Kwekwe, he had no authority to allocate people land there.
“I learnt it through some villagers in Lower Gweru who alerted me that there were people who were alleging that I had given them authority to occupy the farm. I engaged Kwekwe District Administrator Mr Ten-percent Mtikizizi to look into the matter since it is his area of jurisdiction,” he said.
The families invaded the farm early this year and have stayed put despite being served with eviction notices by Kwekwe Messenger of Court after they were dragged to court for illegally settling on the land in question.
It is understood that the families first made inroads in 2008 when they sought the blessings of former Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Cde Jason Machaya to grab the farm.
Minister Machaya, however, did not approve of the invasion.
After the failed attempt to lure Minister Machaya to approve the invasion, the families tried to engage the Malunga family so that they could be given part of the farm but their efforts were in vain.
Midlands lands officer Mr Joseph Shoko said the farmers were illegal occupants and must be evicted from the farm.
“Ms Muhlwa has title deeds. The farm is registered in her name. Government policy states that indigenous owned farms must be spared,” he said.
