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Ex-ZIPRA veterans, widows, and children demand return of seized properties
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Former Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) combatants, alongside widows and children of fallen fighters, have spent three cold nights camping on a piece of land in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West, protesting the government's failure to facilitate the reclamation of properties seized decades ago.
The land, now home to the Pearview suburb developed by a private company, allegedly belongs to Nitram Holdings - a firm established by former ZIPRA fighters after independence in 1980. Nitram was formed using demobilisation payments from ex-combatants, who each contributed US$50 to collectively acquire 52 properties, including farms, hotels, and buildings.
Led by Moffat "Commander" Karomo, nearly 50 veterans and family members are camped opposite Mzari Extension near Machamire area, demanding the return of their land and other assets. Their protest follows similar actions earlier staged at Glen Forest, another Nitram property site.
Karomo told NewZimbabwe.com that their campaign to reclaim these properties has the backing of Vice President Kembo Mohadi. "We are here with the blessings of VP Mohadi, to take back what was illegally taken from ZIPRA combatants, widows, and children who live in abject poverty," Karomo said.
He added that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had tasked veterans with identifying their properties to enable their repossession, but the process has been frustratingly slow.
In Chinhoyi, Karomo claims Nitram owns the land where Pearview suburb sits, as well as Old Chinhoyi Hotel and Caves Hotel - the latter two currently managed by Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks).
"It's been 45 years of waiting. We are not politicking; we are all Zanu-PF. We want to hear from President Mnangagwa now that we have identified our properties," Karomo said.
Widow Cecilia Moyo lamented the hardships she and other families endure despite the wealth accumulated by Nitram Holdings, once managed by the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo. "We suffer from hypertension and other illnesses because of this. We are being victimised on small plots while crooked people enjoy our inheritance," she said.
Moyo also implicated an Indian descendant, known only as Khan, who was connected to late VP Nkomo, in the disputed transfer of the Chinhoyi land to its current owner. She demanded accountability from Khan's son regarding this matter.
Farai Madzvanya, representing children of war veterans, urged President Mnangagwa to expedite the return of these properties, describing them as rightful inheritance that the veterans themselves never benefited from.
The government reportedly seized Nitram Holdings' properties after alleged arms caches were found on some farms in Midlands and Bulawayo provinces. However, efforts to restore these assets have been hampered, with Nitram's board accusing unnamed influential officials of obstructing the process.
As the protest camp continues, former ZIPRA fighters and their families remain steadfast in their demand for justice and restitution.
The land, now home to the Pearview suburb developed by a private company, allegedly belongs to Nitram Holdings - a firm established by former ZIPRA fighters after independence in 1980. Nitram was formed using demobilisation payments from ex-combatants, who each contributed US$50 to collectively acquire 52 properties, including farms, hotels, and buildings.
Led by Moffat "Commander" Karomo, nearly 50 veterans and family members are camped opposite Mzari Extension near Machamire area, demanding the return of their land and other assets. Their protest follows similar actions earlier staged at Glen Forest, another Nitram property site.
Karomo told NewZimbabwe.com that their campaign to reclaim these properties has the backing of Vice President Kembo Mohadi. "We are here with the blessings of VP Mohadi, to take back what was illegally taken from ZIPRA combatants, widows, and children who live in abject poverty," Karomo said.
He added that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had tasked veterans with identifying their properties to enable their repossession, but the process has been frustratingly slow.
In Chinhoyi, Karomo claims Nitram owns the land where Pearview suburb sits, as well as Old Chinhoyi Hotel and Caves Hotel - the latter two currently managed by Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks).
"It's been 45 years of waiting. We are not politicking; we are all Zanu-PF. We want to hear from President Mnangagwa now that we have identified our properties," Karomo said.
Widow Cecilia Moyo lamented the hardships she and other families endure despite the wealth accumulated by Nitram Holdings, once managed by the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo. "We suffer from hypertension and other illnesses because of this. We are being victimised on small plots while crooked people enjoy our inheritance," she said.
Moyo also implicated an Indian descendant, known only as Khan, who was connected to late VP Nkomo, in the disputed transfer of the Chinhoyi land to its current owner. She demanded accountability from Khan's son regarding this matter.
Farai Madzvanya, representing children of war veterans, urged President Mnangagwa to expedite the return of these properties, describing them as rightful inheritance that the veterans themselves never benefited from.
The government reportedly seized Nitram Holdings' properties after alleged arms caches were found on some farms in Midlands and Bulawayo provinces. However, efforts to restore these assets have been hampered, with Nitram's board accusing unnamed influential officials of obstructing the process.
As the protest camp continues, former ZIPRA fighters and their families remain steadfast in their demand for justice and restitution.
Source - NewZimbabwe
