Matobo villagers to appear in court today

Matobo villagers are appearing in court for demonstrating against Arda and Trek's invasion of their land.

MDC official Descent Bajila said the people have a long and well documented history of resistance.

"They fought the very first war against occupation in form of the Anglo Ndebele war of 1893. Even if Cecil John Rhodes had been granted the Royal Charter by the British Crown our people resisted him with sticks and stones. Our people fought Ian Douglas Smith even if he had won elections and Unilaterally declared independence. Our people fought Rodney Mashingaidze even if he had an "offer letter" to occupy our land. We are proud of these heroic fights we have been through," he said.

"We are however conscious of the battles we were beaten hands down particularly the Gomala- Bere incident, the battle of Mbembesi and Operation Gukurahundi. We are also conscious of the hand of Gukurahundi era Ministers like Emerson Mnangagwa in the ARDA Trek invasion. My knowledge of our people is that even if Trek were to forcibly take that, they will never see a season of harvest. It is in our mutual interest for Trek to VOETSEK from Maphisa."

He said all the best to the legal team Abammeli and ZLHR.

"Have a great fight. In our hearts and spirits you have already won the matter," he said.