By Albert Mpofu
Former Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara’s recent claims about top ZANU PF officials acquiring title deeds to farms they seized during the land reform program have sparked renewed discussions about land ownership in Zimbabwe. Mutambara made these startling allegations during the launch of his book, “Ideas and Solutions: In Search of the Elusive Zimbabwean Dream,” in Bulawayo on Friday.
Mutambara asserted that the late former President Robert Mugabe had expressed doubts about the long-term sustainability of the land reform program. He alleged that Mugabe foresaw future generations challenging the legitimacy of the process, prompting him and other officials to acquire title deeds instead of the 99-year leases granted to some war veterans and low-ranking army officers.
According to Mutambara, these officials strategically secured title deeds to safeguard their ownership of the acquired farms, ensuring their protection regardless of any change in regime. He described a process whereby farmers were forcefully evicted from their land, pushed to desperation, and then approached by officials who offered significantly lower prices for their properties. These distressed farmers, fearing further loss, would reluctantly accept the reduced amounts and hand over the title deeds, solidifying the officials’ control over the farms
In separate but related development, a farm owner near Harare, whose identity is being withheld, is currently enduring threats from a high-ranking army official to evacuate his cherished property, Nebo Farm, despite being in possession of title deeds and holding a 99-year lease. The farm, which has been in the family for generations, faces an uncertain future, causing anxiety for the owner and his family.
Nebo Farm, located in Beatrice, boasts fertile soil, abundant boreholes, and breathtaking scenery. Its longstanding presence within the family has created an emotional connection to the land, making the current situation all the more distressing. The owner, speaking out on social media, expressed deep concern about losing the farm, as the protection that his father’s connections provided against previous invasion attempts had disappeared with his father’s passing.
The farmer recounted a previous incident when junior soldiers, acting under the orders of the army official, attempted to invade the farm during his father’s lifetime. However, the invasion was ultimately halted due to the intervention of other senior army officials who were connected to the family. Despite possessing title deeds and the legal right to the land, the current intimidation has left the farm owner and his family living in fear and uncertainty
