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War veterans’ families allege violent farm invasion at Gilston Farm
2 hrs ago |
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Families linked to war veterans at Gilston Farm, located about 25km south of Harare along the Harare–Masvingo highway, have reported a violent invasion by groups of armed youths, raising renewed concerns over land disputes and rural security.
Affected families said the attackers descended on their fields in coordinated groups, allegedly wielding hoes and other weapons. Several victims described being forced to lie on the ground before being assaulted.
“A gang of youths armed with weapons including hoes invaded our fields. We were forced to lie down and beaten up. We are injured and in pain. Police haven’t done much to assist at the moment. The youths are being dropped by buses, lorries and private cars — we are under siege,” one victim said.
The families claim the youths were transported from high‑density suburbs in Harare, including Mbare, Southlea Park and Ushewekunze. They allege that the operation was directed by individuals they referred to as “powerful land barons”, although no names have been officially confirmed.
Gilston Farm is reportedly occupied by war veterans and their families, many of whom settled there under the land reform programme. The latest incident has left several people injured, with residents expressing fear over the continued presence of the alleged invaders.
Efforts to obtain comment from the Zimbabwe Republic Police were unsuccessful at the time of publication. Residents, however, voiced frustration over what they view as a slow or inadequate response from law enforcement.
The incident adds to a growing number of land‑related disputes around Harare, where competing claims, informal allocations and alleged politically connected actors have heightened tensions.
Community leaders and observers are calling for urgent intervention to restore order, investigate the allegations and ensure the safety of those living at the farm.
The situation remains tense, with affected families appealing for protection and medical assistance as they recover from the reported attacks.
Affected families said the attackers descended on their fields in coordinated groups, allegedly wielding hoes and other weapons. Several victims described being forced to lie on the ground before being assaulted.
“A gang of youths armed with weapons including hoes invaded our fields. We were forced to lie down and beaten up. We are injured and in pain. Police haven’t done much to assist at the moment. The youths are being dropped by buses, lorries and private cars — we are under siege,” one victim said.
The families claim the youths were transported from high‑density suburbs in Harare, including Mbare, Southlea Park and Ushewekunze. They allege that the operation was directed by individuals they referred to as “powerful land barons”, although no names have been officially confirmed.
Gilston Farm is reportedly occupied by war veterans and their families, many of whom settled there under the land reform programme. The latest incident has left several people injured, with residents expressing fear over the continued presence of the alleged invaders.
Efforts to obtain comment from the Zimbabwe Republic Police were unsuccessful at the time of publication. Residents, however, voiced frustration over what they view as a slow or inadequate response from law enforcement.
The incident adds to a growing number of land‑related disputes around Harare, where competing claims, informal allocations and alleged politically connected actors have heightened tensions.
Community leaders and observers are calling for urgent intervention to restore order, investigate the allegations and ensure the safety of those living at the farm.
The situation remains tense, with affected families appealing for protection and medical assistance as they recover from the reported attacks.
Source - Byo24news
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