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Evicted for supporting MDC- The case of six families in Bindura
Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR)
July 09, 2009

ROHR Zimbabwe is greatly disturbed by the recent farm evictions that took place in Bindura. The forced eviction appears to be politically motivated according to reports as it involves the Zanu PF District Chairman Jacob Chiripanyanga who is allegedly victimizing them for political affiliations to the Movement for Democratic Change.

Fanuel Musona, Gift Lemon, Lyson Reason, Gift Mhembere and Lazarus Malunga and their families are beneficiaries of the controversial land reform after the Mugabe led government allocated them plots at Foothills farm. They received the above mentioned plots in 2000, and had for the past 9 years, built homes and families with the hope that their newly found fortune would last them and their offsprings. The above mentioned people, among other fellow victims countrywide, have become victims of political fanning by ZANU PF zealots in living in the same farm.

Jacob Chiripanyanga is accusing the four of betraying their loyalty to ZANU PF by their alleged support of MDC. This accusation has resulted in the complainants being issued eviction letters. Information from ROHR secretary for information and publicity in the area explained how the four were brought before Chief Negomo of Chiweshe village who ordered that they be thoroughly beaten before trial. The chief initially demanded US $50 before reducing it to US$40 from the victims as trial charge.

The case was first heard on 3 July 2009 before Chief Negomo allegedly in the presence of police officers from Dundril police post who showed reluctance to interfere in the process. Mr. Musona and company are still to pay the required US$40 and are residing at their plots awaiting the conclusion of their case. The five are still to appear before Chief Negomo for further trial on a date to be announced.

MDC Foothills chairman Collen Langton who confirmed the eviction claim said that the case was before Chief Negomo. "Though they are still residing at the farm the fate of whether they will be evicted or not in is in the hands of the village court which I want to believe is illegimate since Negomo imposed himself on the throne after he was allocated a piece of land during the land reform programme in 2000 just like anybody here on the farm", said Langton.

Chief Negomo is accused of imposing himself on the people of Foothills after he was allocated a piece of land at the farm. The chief and Chiripanyanga are being accused by the villagers of running a scam where they are forcing farm residents to the village court for trial where they milk hard earned cash from the poor villagers breasts in broad daylight in the name of tradition.

In another eviction case ROHR Zimbabwe reported in May 2009, six families at Gatumba farm in Bindura were evicted by four Zanu PF activists Tumai Phiri, Kennedy Makomo, Edward Uriri and Mr. Chari simply for having electricity and decent shelter at the farm whilst the latter resided in mud houses.

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