White farmer, wife battle for life after Zimbabwe attack

DARWENDALE farmer David Passapoorts and his wife Anne are reportedly battling for life at different private hospitals in Harare after they were allegedly attacked and left for dead by unknown assailants at their Chirawanoo game farm on Monday evening.

Sources said they suspect the attack could have been politically motivated as it came shortly after top Zanu-PF officials in Mashonaland West province had threatened to evict the remaining white farmers.

Both David and Anne are feared to have sustained broken bones following the attacks which occurred after the suspects had broken into the couple's bedroom.

After the attacks, the suspects allegedly fled into the night after tying the couple together inside the bedroom.

"We understand that one of their young girls, who is four years old, managed to untie her mother so that she could phone David's father Allan and get help," said a source who declined to be named.

"They have been under severe pressure lately from someone wanting the farm and were in the process of making moves to get off the farm."

David's father, Allan, confirmed the incident, but said he was yet to get more details.

Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson Inspector Clemence Mabgweazara could not comment as he said he was on leave.