By Chimanimani Correspondent | In a clash with local councilors, ZANU PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa has stood to defend illegal settlers in Chimanimani.

There are over 5000 people who illegally settled themselves in the areas of: Charter Estates, Martin Forests, Nduka Farm in Ward 11, Gwindingwe Forest, and parts of Cashel Forest.

The illegality of their settling in the area arises from the fact that they do not have offer letters from the responsible minister.

This group since has as a result come under a looming raid by local councilors.

Speaking during a briefing, the Chimanimani MP Joshua Sacco said Mnangagwa defends the people saying it has to be either voluntary or a High Court order without burning or destroying structures using armed police, soldiers or other inhumane process.

President Mnangagwa said using soldiers or police is anti government, said Sacco.

To this some of the councilors said they will get directives from DA John Misi, not the MP.

The development saw Mnangagwa being seen as being against the councilors over the illegality of the settlements.

But the settlements can be regularised by a simple stroke of the pen by a minister. The problem with the settlements can thus be fixed without the need of a speech of compassion from the President, ZimEye reveals. This is because offer letters can be passed without a court process since they rest solely in the minister’s discretion.

Some residents told ZimEye.com that they do not believe Mnangagwa is sincere.

“I doubt ED and Sacco’s sincereity, I think it is a political gimmick because most of the people living in this area were told it is okay to stay there,” said one.

They continued saying, “this is being done just to keep their votes. What I foresee is a situation in a few months’ time, people will be relocated, and for now the support is just temporary.”