Zimbabwe farm evictions fuel tension

A growing humanitarian and political crisis is unfolding at Aberdeen Farm in Zvimba East constituency's Ward 25, where villagers have accused white commercial farmer Martin Marius of targeting them over perceived support for Zanu-PF. The situation has drawn national attention after a tragic incident in which a local resident, Shadreck Chitokota, was electrocuted and died after coming into contact with an electric wire allegedly installed by Marius to block community access across the 400-hectare farm.

Over 185 villagers have reportedly been evicted, many of whom are long-time residents whose families have lived and worked on the land for generations. Many have relocated to Mazowe and Marondera, taking up work as farm labourers. The affected residents claim that Marius has erected deadly electric fencing, imposed strict curfews, and employed private security to restrict movement, creating conditions they describe as akin to a detention camp.

Zanu-PF Chimupukutu branch chairman Biskwork Morris condemned the actions, saying the evictions violated land reform principles and insulted the legacy of liberation fighters. "The white farmer is abusing us because we support Zanu-PF. One of the villagers, Shadreck Chitokota, was electrocuted by the electric wire and died on the spot. We were given an eviction order, and my family is stranded with nowhere to go. Everyone is being chased away," Morris said.

Residents reported that the electric fence and unofficial curfew have severely disrupted daily life, making it difficult to fetch firewood, access water, or take children to school. Farm employee Shingi William said the restrictions prevent relatives from visiting and force women and children to navigate dangerous conditions to meet basic needs.

War veteran and former Zanu-PF district coordinating committee member Solomon Nasho appealed to the government for urgent intervention. "We are now in Zimbabwe, we are no longer in Rhodesia. President Emmerson Mnangagwa says people should be treated fairly. We are not supposed to be treated like slaves in our country. This fence is similar to the ones that were in detention centres during the war," he said.

Efforts to negotiate a resolution have so far been unsuccessful. Zvimba East Member of Parliament Kudakwashe Mananzva reportedly advised Marius to remove the dangerous fence while urging employees to continue working on the farm. Zanu-PF Chimupukutu branch chairperson Maud Phiri confirmed that despite these interventions, eviction notices were still issued to workers shortly after negotiations.

Attempts to obtain a comment from Martin Marius were unsuccessful, as security personnel barred media personnel from accessing the farm. The situation remains tense, with residents appealing to government authorities to step in and provide land or other relief to the displaced families.