Zapu to force Mugabe to return seized properties

Zapu has threatened to stage demonstrations to force President Robert Mugabe's government to return the party's properties, which were seized in the early 1980s.

The opposition party's deputy spokesperson, Iphithule Maphosa yesterday said Zapu will not continue being humiliated by being evicted from rented properties, when it has its own premises that were seized by the State.

Maphosa said Zapu members have of late been putting pressure on the party leadership to repossess the seized properties in the wake of reports of the impending eviction.

Zapu has blamed its current financial woes on Mugabe and his government, which seized properties belonging to the then Joshua Nkomo-led opposition party in the 1980s.

The now-revived Zapu, led by Dumiso Dabengwa, is facing eviction from its Bulawayo offices after failing to settle rent arrears of more than $10 000 to Main Investment and Construction (Pvt) Limited, which owns number 15 JM Nkomo Street and Connaught Avenue.