Police, youths clash in Goromonzi over land

Police clashed with suspected Zanu PF youths after they invaded a farm in Goromonzi near Epworth. (File pic)

Zim Now Writer

Over 1 000 youths from Goromonzi District clashed with police yesterday after they had invaded a farm before pegging and allocating themselves pieces of land on the property that reportedly belongs to former top State security employee, Maxwell Muziwi.

Several youths were arrested during the invasion of the farm, which is located just outside Epworth.

It is alleged the youths had been promised stands by some Zanu PF officials but decided to invade the farm after the officials appeared to be reneging on their promise.

Sources said the youths were directed to peg stands by some party heavyweights in return for votes.

The disturbances at the farm, according to sources, started early this week when land barons invaded the farm before pegging stands, which angered Epworth squatters who were angling for the same land.

No comment could be obtained from Zanu PF.

National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he was investigating the matter.

“Let me find out with police on the ground,” Nyathi said.

Land barons with political links have been duping desperate and unsuspecting home seekers, fleecing them of their hard-earned cash after allocating them illegally acquired land, even in wetlands.

Government and councils have often razed these properties, arguing they were built on illegally acquired land.

Cabinet announced, in November last year that government would deal decisively with land barons and illegal settlements.