Terrence Mawawa, Chiredzi| In a move that reflects total defiance of President Robert Mugabe’s directive, Masvingo State Minister Shuvai Ben Mahofa has ordered farmers who invaded Tongaat land to remain at their respective plots.
Mugabe, who was in Chiredzi two weeks ago on a fact finding mission ordered the farmers to vacate the sugarcane land they invaded with immediate effect. The controversial Masvingo State Minister, barely two months ago blocked Mugabe’s AU cattle donation initiative -claiming the province did not have the capacity to supply the beasts. Mahofa has ordered at least 213 farmers who benefited from the land grab exercise to remain at the plots.The farmers have since occupied about 4000 hectares of Tongaat land under the controversial exercise. In total contradiction of her boss’ remarks, Mahofa last Friday said the farmers must remain at their allocated plots. She claimed she was sent by Lands and Rural Resettlement Minister Douglas Mombeshora to address the farmers.
“As the Minister of State for Masvingo, I am disturbed by the fact that some legislators are uniting with Tongaat Hullet to fight the land reform programme. Land belongs to the government and the government distributes all the land. I have come here to tell you that no one is to move you from the plots you are occupying,” said Mahofa.
Zanu PF Provincial Commissar Jeppy Jaboon said he was surprised by Mahofa’s reckless comments. “I do not know why Mahofa has chosen to contradict the President’s directive.The issue was discussed and the President explained everything clearly so I am surprised by Mahofa’s sentiments,” said Jaboon.