ZANU-PF urges govt to return Zipra properties

ZANU-PF has called for the immediate return of properties belonging to the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (Zipra) that were seized during the 1980s civil unrest in Matabeleland and the Midlands. The call was made by ZANU-PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu during celebrations for Cephas Ncube, the newly-elected leader of the Zimbabwe National War Veterans Association.

Mpofu, addressing the issue during the victory celebrations, expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in returning the properties, which were originally bought by Zipra veterans using demobilisation pay-outs after the country's 1970s war of independence. These properties, scattered across the country, include buildings and land, and were seized in the aftermath of the civil unrest. Despite numerous committees being formed to address the matter, no significant progress has been made.

“I do not see why this issue should take such a long time when the properties are known, and the title deeds are there to confirm ownership. It seems people are wasting time investigating things that are already documented," Mpofu remarked.

Mpofu emphasized that ZANU-PF could offer assistance in resolving the issue, particularly as some of the properties in question belonged to the Zimbabwe African People's Union (Zapu) party. He pointed out that these properties had been merged with ZANU-PF, such as the iconic Magnet House, and that separating them would be a simple matter.

“We can assist in resolving the issue because a lot of war veterans are dying due to old age. So, we urge that this matter be sped up and dealt with once and for all," Mpofu added.

Zipra veterans, who were aligned with Zapu, contributed significant funds towards the acquisition of these properties, and their rightful ownership has remained a contentious issue since the civil unrest. Mpofu's comments come amid growing impatience and frustration within the war veterans' community over the lack of action from the government.

The dispute over the properties is also intertwined with the broader historical context of the Gukurahundi atrocities, which occurred during the early years of Zimbabwe's independence. Joakim Moyo, the Zipra deputy spokesperson, reiterated that the properties belonged to Zapu and that any attempt to share or divide them would be unlawful.

“This is a significant issue that cannot be divorced from the Gukurahundi issue because this happened at the same time. All these properties belong to Zapu as the Zipra cadres contributed to their purchase while in assembly points. The properties bear the name of Joshua Nkomo and a few other individuals," Moyo stated.

Despite the ongoing disputes and challenges surrounding the return of the properties, Mpofu reiterated the need for unity within the war veterans' community and encouraged them to maintain strong ties with the ruling ZANU-PF party. He also congratulated the newly-elected executive of the Zimbabwe National War Veterans Association and urged the members to avoid division and work together for the benefit of the veterans.

The issue of returning Zipra properties remains a sensitive and contentious matter, with unresolved historical grievances adding complexity to the debate. As the government faces mounting pressure to address these issues, it remains to be seen whether significant progress will be made in returning the properties to their rightful owners.