Worcestershire Farm War Veterans and Residents Resist Eviction Threats by Alleged Land Barons
Gweru, Midlands Province – 19 March 2025
Tensions are running high at Worcestershire Farm in Gweru Rural, Midlands Province, as over 80 families, including war veterans, village heads, and other long-time residents, face potential eviction by alleged land barons seeking to subdivide the farm for private development.
In a formal letter to ZimEye, the farm community has voiced alarm over a leaked document circulating on WhatsApp, which outlines plans to parcel out the 800-hectare farm into residential stands under the Munhumutapa Youth Housing Scheme. The community, who have occupied the land since 2000 as beneficiaries of Zimbabwe’s Land Resettlement Programme, claim that this move is an affront to their 25-year tenure and their legal rights as holders of official offer letters.
The leaked documents, allegedly originating from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, invite several government departments for a site visit, deepening concerns among residents about the potential endorsement of the scheme by state actors.
“This is not just land to us,” the residents wrote. “Our farm is home to war veterans, retired soldiers, the elderly, people with disabilities, school children, and other vulnerable groups. It holds graves of our elders and heroes, making it sacred ground.”
Despite reassurances from local MP Kwidini at a recent meeting that no evictions would take place, the community remains skeptical. Past attempts to dislodge them from the land have left them wary, prompting them to retain legal representation from Kanoti and Partners Legal Practitioners.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, community leaders say they have been subjected to intimidation. Village Head and community secretary, Mr. Svas Degwa, and War Veteran Chairman, Cde Everson Nyoni, allege they were threatened by individuals claiming to represent Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister, Owen “Mudha” Ncube.
One individual, identified as Mr. Cainos Nyandoro, alias Mujambajecha, reportedly told them to withdraw their legal case or face “serious consequences.”
“This is a blatant attempt to intimidate us,” the letter continues. “No one deserves to face threats, least of all our Village Heads and war veterans, who have dedicated their lives to serving this country.”
The community is demanding government intervention to stop what they describe as illegal land grabs by politically connected actors. They are calling for transparent engagement with relevant authorities and the protection of their rights as legitimate resettlement beneficiaries.
The Worcestershire Farm case highlights a growing concern across Zimbabwe’s rural landscape, where tensions between resettled farmers and developers continue to escalate. With over 1,000 livestock and vital community infrastructure like a recently launched diptank, residents say displacement would spell disaster for their livelihoods.
The residents are now urging both the Government of Zimbabwe and Zanu (PF) leadership to uphold the promises made during the 2000 land reform programme, fearing that, without swift action, they may soon be forcibly removed from land they have called home for nearly a quarter of a century.
Minister Owen Mudha Ncube did not respond to comment.
ZimEye will continue monitoring this developing story.
ENDS