Mugabe's top aide strikes

ABOUT 12 men, who claimed to be the "sons" of a top aide to President Robert Mugabe, yesterday descended on the disputed Centenary Farm in Figtree with their belongings, including food, saying they had been sent by their "father to the land".

The deputy chief secretary in the office of the president and Cabinet Ray Ndhlukula is currently embroiled in a bitter fight with white farmer David Connolly for control of Centenary Farm in Matabeleland South, arguing that the Zanu-PF leader personally gave him the property.

Ndhlukula has been trying to grab the farm from Connolly, but the commercial farmer has sought protection from the courts.

An interdict barring Ndhlukula from occupying and interfering with operations at the farm pending a determination by the High Court on the validity of the farm's acquisition was granted on June 17.

Connolly told Southern Eye yesterday at his farm that he was surprised when a group of men besieged his property claiming to have been sent by Ndhlukula.

Connolly said his brother then rushed to make a report at the Figtree Police Station, but the cops informed him that their hands were tied in the matter. He said Ndhlukula was now intimidating him in "clear violation of the law".

"Around midday today (yesterday), a group of men descended on my farm claiming to have been sent by Ndhlukula.
"They had huge luggage, including food. In no time, they began making fire and started cooking and seemed relaxed," said Connolly.

"I now feel intimidated by Ndhlukula's actions. This is pure intimidation and disregard of the law. When I saw him on August 2, he told me in my face that he would get me through his own way and never explained further. In my heart, I felt relieved because I do not fear men, but God alone."

He said when the invasions constantly hit headlines in August, Ndhlukula had gradually withdrawn some of his workers from the farm leaving only four.

While the Southern Eye crew was still interviewing Connolly on his farm, another batch arrived in a twin cab with no registration plates. They joined the first group that was gathered a few metres from the farmhouse.

The group told Southern Eye that they were Ndhlukula's "sons" and said they had come to stay on their "father's" farm. Connolly charged that on Wednesday, Ndhlukula's manager told his workers that they "are searching for King Lobengula's bones" and would not leave without locating them.

Connolly said he had been informed that the European Union (EU) had a keen interest on the developments at Centenary Farm.

"I have it on good authority that the EU is keenly following every development," he said.

"I am told there is a €330 million meant for government direct support. This would be discussed on November 1 in Brussels, Belgium, when sanctions are up for discussions. Also, the EU is planning to send representatives to attend court sessions when the case is heard."

Connolly turned to the courts when Ndhlukula reportedly continued interfering with his farming operations despite the interim order seeking to have the top civil servant held in contempt of court.

However, it was in his opposition to the application of contempt of court that Ndhlukula revealed that he got the farm with Mugabe's authority.