Zanu-PF activists invade school land, block road

A group of about 20 people claiming to be Zanu-PF activists and war veterans have reportedly invaded land belonging to Rainham Primary School, which is administered by the Zvimba Rural District Council (RDC), blocking an access road and occupying school property.

The school, located in Zvimba East constituency near the Dzivarasekwa Presidential Guard and Tiger Bricks, has an enrolment of about 700 pupils and 25 teachers. Adjacent to it is Rainham Secondary School, which accommodates 350 learners and employs 10 teachers.

Local residents allege that Ward 10 councillor Tafadzwa Kambarami is supporting the illegal settlers, despite the Zvimba RDC having declared their occupation unlawful.

"Some of the settlers are staying in houses left behind by former farm owners located on the school's land," said a concerned villager, Simba Gweshe.
"Teachers can no longer access the official staff accommodation and are now living in garages and pigsties. These people are abusing the name of the ruling party."

Gweshe claimed that the group conducts illegal activities, including running shebeens and stealing diesel from nearby Chinese-owned brick-making operations.

He accused Councillor Kambarami of protecting the invaders against a council resolution ordering their removal.

"The councillor addressed a meeting saying he cannot remove the squatters because they are his people. We are appealing to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to investigate him," Gweshe added.

The matter has reportedly been referred to the police, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and the District Development Coordinator's Office, but residents say no concrete action has been taken.

Zvimba RDC Chief Executive Officer Enias Chidhakwa confirmed the presence of illegal settlers on the school's land and the obstruction of the access road.

"These people were removed from the Nehanda area and allocated land at Sunside, but they sold those plots and resettled on the school road," Chidhakwa said.
"They are blocking access to the school and have refused to vacate despite being issued with removal notices."

Chidhakwa said while the council had directed the settlers to move, some of them remain defiant.

However, Councillor Kambarami defended his position, saying the land in question was a former farm occupied by settlers more than 15 years ago before the RDC formally acquired it.

"After the council took over, it subdivided the land into agro-residential plots and sold them, seemingly disregarding those already staying there," he said.
"These occupiers include war veterans and ordinary citizens. As a councillor, I am sworn to uphold the Constitution, which guarantees every Zimbabwean the right to shelter."

Kambarami said he has repeatedly urged the RDC to regularise the settlers' occupation by allocating them affordable residential stands.

"As leaders, we must ensure that no one is left behind. I believe council should provide these individuals with stands at reasonable prices instead of demolishing their homes," he said.

The councillor added that efforts were underway to find a long-term solution.

"The council is working to relocate the affected individuals to suitable areas. I urge patience as we resolve this issue in a manner that benefits all parties," he said.

Meanwhile, residents fear that the ongoing standoff could disrupt learning activities and compromise safety for both pupils and teachers if the situation remains unresolved.