Land dispute and murder allegations stir tensions at Dandrennam farm

A storm is brewing at Dandrennam Farm in Lions Den, Mashonaland West Province, as a long-standing land dispute intensifies amid revived murder accusations and alleged political interference. The 578.54-hectare farm, strategically nestled between three hills and bordered by the Angwa River, is the subject of a bitter ownership battle involving Zanu-PF activists and offer letter holder Brink Bosman, who has lived and worked on the land since 1980.

The farm boasts abundant water for irrigation, enabling year-round agricultural activity and supporting livelihoods for many locals. Bosman, who has bonded with the community over the years through employment and support services, now finds himself at the centre of a campaign to discredit and displace him.

"All was well until recently," said a farm worker who identified himself only as Bigboy for fear of reprisal. "People started coming here, trying to influence us to say that Bosman is a bad and cruel farmer. They even said the child who died in 2022 was killed by him, not his driver as was established by the police."

The case of the child's death - reportedly caused by a tractor accident involving farm employee Douglas Zhanewo - was legally concluded in 2024, with authorities determining that Bosman was not responsible. Yet, the incident has resurfaced as ammunition in a new campaign aimed at seizing part of the farm.

Bosman claims the revival of the murder allegations is a calculated move by political opponents to undermine his reputation and force him off the land. He points fingers at losing 2023 Zanu-PF Chinhoyi candidate Thomas Chidzomba and former deputy Information Minister Kindness Paradza, who is now a commissioner with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.

In early April, a group led by Chidzomba reportedly occupied a section of the farm without Bosman's or the Lands ministry's consent. Though initially arrested for illegal occupation and assault, the charges were dropped after they argued they held power of attorney from Paradza.

Investigations reveal a complex history surrounding the farm's ownership. At one point, Paradza, Bosman, and former Mashonaland West governor Peter Chanetsa all held offer letters for the same property. However, the High Court eventually ruled in favour of Bosman, while the other two were allocated land elsewhere.

Despite the court's decision and confirmation from the Lands ministry that Bosman is the lawful owner, tensions persist. "There was peace until those people came and started occupying the land again," Bosman told The Herald. "What hurt me most were the lies that I made up the story of how the boy died. My hands are clean - I never killed that child."

The boy's father, Tichaona Moffat, remains dissatisfied with how the police handled the case, alleging the evidence presented in court was incomplete and expressing suspicion of bribery. Meanwhile, the woman claiming to be the boy's mother has been identified by some community members as the stepmother, and she too faces accusations of mistreatment, which she denies.

Though the case was closed, the Mashonaland West police have confirmed it could be reopened if new evidence emerges. Bosman, however, insists that any such development must also involve a fresh investigation into the family's role in the matter.

As the legal and emotional drama unfolds, questions remain about whether political actors will honour the government's ruling on ownership. For now, Bosman stands firm, accusing his detractors of exploiting a tragedy to stir public resentment and ultimately wrest control of the valuable farmland.

"This farm is my life, and I have done nothing wrong," he said. "They are trying to use lies and pressure to take it from me, but the truth will prevail."