Land invasion is theft - Tsvangirai

HARARE – Zimbabwean prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday warned people invading commercial farms that they were committing…

HARARE – Zimbabwean prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday warned people invading commercial farms that they were committing theft and would be arrested and prosecuted, appearing to challenge a key feature of Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe’s land policies.

The seizure of white-owned farms to give to poor black Zimbabweans has become a controversial but important Mugabe strategy. Opponents say it has helped to destroy the agriculture sector that was once the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy.

Mr Tsvangirai did not say when the arrests would be made, but the invasions are coming at a time when farmers are preparing to harvest their summer crops. This has raised fears of further loss of food in a country where millions rely on humanitarian aid.

Hundreds of white commercial farmers who had survived often violent land seizures by Mr Mugabe’s government since 2000 and some black resettled farmers have in the past month reported a rise in land invasions.

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“This government is aware that most of the ongoing disruptions of agricultural production, which are being done in the name of the land reform process, are actually acts of theft,” Mr Tsvangirai told a meeting of diplomats, civic society and business leaders.

“Those continuing to undertake these activities will be arrested and face justice in the courts. I have tasked the minister of home affairs to ensure that all crimes are acted upon and the perpetrators arrested and charged.” – (Reuters)