Zimbabwean farmer takes army officers to court

A Mazowe farmer has approached the High Court seeking urgent legal protection after soldiers allegedly blocked the eviction of settlers occupying her land at Ingleborough Farm, escalating a dispute now set for judicial determination.

The case, filed by Tryness Kabiti, will be heard at the High Court of Zimbabwe, where she is applying for a prohibitory interdict against members of the military accused of interfering with a lawful eviction process.

Kabiti, who was allocated the land 13 years ago and holds a valid offer letter, says soldiers prevented the enforcement of a court-sanctioned eviction order on April 9.

According to court papers, armed personnel — including officers identified as Lieutenant-Colonel Ncube and Chirwahemhuka - allegedly intervened during the eviction, forcing the return of settlers who had already been removed from the property.

Kabiti claims the soldiers acted through subordinates, using threats and intimidation to reverse the eviction process and re-establish the settlers on the farm.

In a dramatic escalation, Kabiti alleges the soldiers detained the Sheriff overseeing the eviction until he complied with their demands.

The intervention reportedly occurred despite the presence of police officers and existing court orders authorising the eviction under earlier High Court rulings.

Kabiti says she was also forcibly removed from her land during the incident and left with no option but to comply under duress.

The farmer's offer letter was previously confirmed as valid by the High Court in September 2024, granting her legal authority to evict the settlers.

Her latest application argues that the actions of the armyofficers undermine the rule of law and expose her to ongoing harm, including disruption of farming activities and loss of livelihood.

"There is no alternative available remedy for the applicant outside of approaching this Honourable Court," reads part of the application.

The application lists several respondents, including Zimbabwe Defence Forces personnel, a Zimbabwe National Army commander, the Officer-in-Charge at Marlborough Police Station, and the Sheriff for Bindura.

Kabiti is seeking urgent relief to prevent further interference and to allow lawful enforcement of the eviction order.

The matter is expected to test the balance between military conduct and civil legal processes, with the High Court set to determine whether the farmer's rights can be protected against what she describes as unlawful and violent intervention.

The outcome could have broader implications for land disputes and enforcement of court orders in Zimbabwe.