No hope for Zim farmers

Despite a recent power sharing deal in Zimbabwe, the situation keeps deteriorating for white farmers. President Robert Mugabe has dismissed an order by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Tribunal in Windhoek not to evict white farmers.

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Despite a recent power sharing deal in Zimbabwe, the situation keeps deteriorating for white farmers. President Robert Mugabe has dismissed an order by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Tribunal in Windhoek not to evict white farmers.
Days after the power-sharing deal was signed in the capital Harare dozens more farms were invaded by gangs affiliated to high-level Zanu-PF officials.
According to local media those involved in land grabbing are afraid the new government will quickly put out a moratorium on invasions.
The Zimbabwean Commercial Farmers Union estimates about 100 farms have been invaded. Although legal representatives of the farmers are talking with the new land affairs minister Herbert Murerwa, it’s unclear what the new government will do to stabilise the situation.
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has reportedly ordered security chiefs to act against the illegal invasions and warned Harare businesspeople the practice will not be condoned. However, recent remarks by Mugabe at his birthday party in the northern city of Chinoyi aren’t encouraging for the white farmers.
Mugabe reiterated farms will not be returned to previous owners and indicated he wouldn’t abide by the SADC Tribunal verdict. Ignoring the verdict, a lower court in Zimbabwe has declared the presence of some white farmers on their farms illegal.
About 100 farmers will have to appear in court again soon.
Zimbabwean farmer Mike Campbell, who brought the case of the farm invasions to the SADC Tribunal, had to flee his farm in the Chegutu area when it was invaded again last week.
Meanwhile, it’s still unclear if former farmer Roy Bennett will be sworn in as deputy agricultural minister as he’s being held on conspiracy charges. – Servaas van den Bosch