Zanu PF chefs' land grab in Manyame irks sections of the party

THE much‑reported land grab by Zanu PF officials in Manyame District has angered sections of the ruling party, with some members describing the alleged actions as evil, retrogressive and damaging to the party's image.  

Reports indicate that a land‑grab syndicate, allegedly led by Manyame Rural District Ward 10 Councillor Eddius Sibanda and a Zanu PF DCC chairman identified only as Chotodya, has been terrorising war veterans, women and children in Seke District, threatening mass displacements at Longlands and Gilstone farms.  

Councillor Sibanda is accused of working with gangs from Nyatsime and Harare South, including an individual known as Karimanzira, to forcibly take land from legitimate beneficiaries of the 2000 land reform programme. Community members say they feel helpless because the alleged invasions are being fronted by political leaders, leaving locals unsure where to turn for protection.  

Preliminary investigations by journalists reportedly uncovered evidence of corrupt political and government officials orchestrating the land grabs, with thugs allegedly invoking the First Family's name to intimidate residents and justify illegal activities. Vulnerable families, including war veterans, are said to be living in fear.  

Councillor Sibanda dismissed the allegations, insisting no war veterans had been threatened in his ward. He said the accusations were being pushed by political rivals who lost elections and were now attempting to tarnish his image. Sibanda added that Chotodya was not a DCC chairman but a district chairperson for Sally Mugabe District, and had nothing to do with the matter.  

He said the Ministry of Lands had already investigated the claims and found no displaced war veterans, insisting that people were going about their normal business.  

A village head from Gilstone, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, said he was disturbed by the misuse of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's name in illegal land dealings. He said the community was living in fear, especially after a recent petrol‑bombing incident that claimed a life.  

A Zanu PF DCC Manyame member, who also preferred anonymity, confirmed concerns over the alleged land grabs and said the party leadership would intervene. He said it was illegal for anyone to invade or sell land and urged residents to report suspicious activities, including buses delivering people into the area.  

He emphasised that Longlands and Gilstone farms were not being parcelled out and that only the Ministry of Lands had the authority to allocate land. He said the farms had legal occupants who were conducting their farming activities, and attempts to forcibly take land from them were unacceptable.