Mohadi son evictees suffer double jeopardy

A new development has emerged in the ongoing eviction saga of 21 families in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central, as they face the threat of being removed from a nearby plot where they sought refuge after their initial displacement.

The families, previously evicted from Arnold Farm by Vice-President Kembo Mohadi's son, Mafinyadira, now confront a fresh challenge from Felix Munjoma, who claims to hold an offer letter for the plot. Munjoma asserts connections to "higher office" and intends to occupy the land.

The displaced residents suspect that Munjoma is collaborating with Mohadi and officials from the Lands Ministry to facilitate a second eviction. Sources point to Plot Number 3 as the focal point of the controversy.

"We are suspicious that Munjoma is part of a scheme by Mohadi, who is working with some officials from the Ministry of Lands," one source said. "He claims to have an offer letter, which he is not showing us. To make matters worse, they destroyed our maize fields to force us out. We are grounded now."

Another evictee added: "The whole issue is no longer professional and we are living in fear."

According to multiple reports, agricultural extension officer Mrs Chifamba was involved in pegging the plot allocated to Munjoma, raising further concerns about collusion with Mohadi's son. "Besides Munjoma name-dropping the Presidency, we understand he is working with Mohadi's son to occupy the whole farm. They are using Lands Ministry officials to make the whole saga legitimate," one resident said.

The families' ordeal began in early November when they were evicted from their original plots. Mafinyadira claims to have held an offer letter for the farm at the time. Their homes were reportedly burnt down, leaving them homeless and forced to spend weeks on the roadside. They also faced a water crisis, being denied access to a well, their main source of clean water.

Repeated attempts to reach Felix Munjoma and Mafinyadira for comment were unsuccessful.

The families remain in a state of uncertainty, living in fear of further displacement, and question whether the government will intervene to protect their rights.