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Zimbabwe army, villagers in fierce clashes
2 hrs ago |
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Goromonzi villagers have approached the High Court seeking protection from eviction, claiming the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) is unlawfully attempting to clear their land for a supposed radar project, which they allege is actually a front for a Chinese brick-moulding business.
The plaintiffs - Friday Ngoshi, Ephraim Kabvuri, and William Kapeta - are represented by lawyer Norman Mugiya. They have cited a wide range of government and military officials, including district development co-ordinator Prisca Dube, Chief Chikwaka, Goromonzi Rural District Council chief executive officer Trust Madhovi, councillor Aaron Shamhu, MP Ozias Bvute, AFZ Wing Commander Masongelwa Ndhlovu, Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Valerio Sibanda, and Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.
The villagers say they have lived in Gutsa Village for generations, comprising roughly 400 households, and assert that their land and graves are being desecrated. According to their court papers, Ndhlovu and his team marked out the village, dug trenches, damaged roads, destroyed graveyards, and demolished homes without consulting residents. The villagers claim they were threatened with firearms and ordered to demolish their homes themselves or face further action from the military.
"The villagers have been stripped of their rights and reduced to aliens in their own land," the court papers read. The plaintiffs allege that the Air Force has partnered with Chinese nationals, allegedly running a brick-moulding business disguised as a radar project.
Ndhlovu, representing the AFZ, denied the allegations, saying proper procedures were followed. He argued that the radar relocation from Mt Hampden to Goromonzi was sanctioned in 2014 and that local leaders and stakeholders were informed. He added that the Lands and Resettlement Ministry is coordinating alternative land for affected families and that the Chinese company is legally operating, contributing revenue to the national fiscus.
"The construction is lawful and of national interest," Ndhlovu said, adding that the radar installation is essential to safeguard villagers from potential radiation exposure.
The matter remains pending before the High Court.
The plaintiffs - Friday Ngoshi, Ephraim Kabvuri, and William Kapeta - are represented by lawyer Norman Mugiya. They have cited a wide range of government and military officials, including district development co-ordinator Prisca Dube, Chief Chikwaka, Goromonzi Rural District Council chief executive officer Trust Madhovi, councillor Aaron Shamhu, MP Ozias Bvute, AFZ Wing Commander Masongelwa Ndhlovu, Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Valerio Sibanda, and Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.
The villagers say they have lived in Gutsa Village for generations, comprising roughly 400 households, and assert that their land and graves are being desecrated. According to their court papers, Ndhlovu and his team marked out the village, dug trenches, damaged roads, destroyed graveyards, and demolished homes without consulting residents. The villagers claim they were threatened with firearms and ordered to demolish their homes themselves or face further action from the military.
Ndhlovu, representing the AFZ, denied the allegations, saying proper procedures were followed. He argued that the radar relocation from Mt Hampden to Goromonzi was sanctioned in 2014 and that local leaders and stakeholders were informed. He added that the Lands and Resettlement Ministry is coordinating alternative land for affected families and that the Chinese company is legally operating, contributing revenue to the national fiscus.
"The construction is lawful and of national interest," Ndhlovu said, adding that the radar installation is essential to safeguard villagers from potential radiation exposure.
The matter remains pending before the High Court.
Source - Newsday
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