WATCH: Youth besiege Gilston Farm, grab land from war veterans

A group of machete‑wielding youths, allegedly deployed by powerful land barons, has invaded Gilston Farm in Seke, where 39 beneficiaries — mostly war veterans and war collaborators of the Second Chimurenga - hold official land allocations.

Witnesses said the youths arrived chanting slogans and pegging land, signalling an attempted takeover of the farm.

The latest developments come months after reports in January alleging that senior Zanu‑PF figures in Manyame District were involved in illegal land grabs, sparking anger within the party. Some members described the actions as "evil and retrogressive", warning that such conduct tarnishes the party's image.

At the time, a syndicate allegedly led by Manyame Rural District Ward 10 Councillor Eddius Sibanda and Zanu‑PF DCC chairman Chotodya was accused of terrorising war veterans, women and children at Longlands and Gilston farms, threatening mass displacement.
War veterans overwhelmed by land barons

War veterans at Gilston Farm said they were being overpowered by land barons believed to have links to influential political and business elites.

They said the farm was being targeted because of its proximity to Harare, making it attractive for illegal parceling.

"They have initiated a brutal and barbaric attack on defenceless war veterans and families who have occupied this land legally since 2002," one war veteran said.
"Many of us here are disabled as a result of the liberation struggle."

The War Veterans Association said Gilston Farm was deliberately allocated to injured ex‑combatants to ensure easy access to medical services due to its closeness to the capital.

"It is distressing that war veterans with official land permits are subjected to such ruthless treatment 46 years after independence," locals said.

One veteran said the invaders arrived armed with machetes and began pegging land despite the area already being occupied by disabled war veterans.

He accused police of failing to act and appealed directly to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

"I am disabled and could not resist the invasion. These people want to kill me. I appeal to the President to help us," he said.
Political figures implicated — but deny wrongdoing

Earlier reports alleged that Councillor Sibanda was involved in the illegal land grabs, supported by gangs from Nyatsime and Harare South, including an individual known as Karimanzira.

Original plot holders — beneficiaries of the 2000 land reform programme — now face forced eviction, intimidation and threats from these groups.

Investigations by journalists previously suggested that corrupt political and government officials were behind the land‑selling syndicates, with thugs allegedly invoking names of the First Family to intimidate residents.

Councillor Sibanda, however, dismissed the allegations.

"We have no people who were threatened in our ward. These are lies meant to tarnish my image," he said.
"The ministry investigated and found no war veterans displaced. People are going about their usual business."
Zanu‑PF official condemns illegal invasions

A Zanu‑PF DCC Manyame member, speaking anonymously, said the situation was unacceptable.

"It is illegal to invade someone's land or sell it. We will speak to Chairman Makina and the branch leadership to ensure this stops," he said.

He urged residents to report any suspicious buses delivering people into the area so that police can intervene.

"As far as we are concerned, those farms are not being parcelled out. People there have papers, and they are farming. Anyone trying to take that land is acting illegally."

Village head Ratibu Hweche of Gilston Farm could not be reached for comment.