Zanu-PF chef calls out abusive village heads

In Gwanda, Matabeleland South province, the Zanu-PF district chairperson for Nyandeni, Bongani Mlilo, has urged village chairpersons to cease harassing villagers affected by the government's recent eviction campaign. Approximately 180 villagers were displaced from their homes in February and subsequently arrested for occupying state land illegally.

In an interview with Southern Eye, Mlilo expressed concern over reports that village chairpersons were conducting meetings aimed at victimizing these displaced individuals. He emphasized that the villagers have already endured significant hardship and are awaiting government's decision regarding the regularization of their residency.

Mlilo highlighted that the affected individuals should not be excluded from government aid programs, such as food distribution by the Department of Social Welfare, as everyone in the community is facing food shortages.

However, Patrick Moyo, chairperson of Village 4, denied allegations of victimization, stating that he and others are working together to assist the affected villagers in their plight. According to Moyo, there are about 30 displaced individuals in his village, and they are not being discriminated against.

The arrests occurred on February 7, with police accusing the villagers of illegally occupying Hollins Block Estate in Gwanda. The villagers have since complained about mistreatment during their arrests and subsequent detention.