Farmer harassed

Cattle breeder claims Zanu-PF MP is illegally claiming land rights to evict his family

Zanu-PF MP Jabulani Mangena is defying a court interdict by using violence and intimidation to evict a white commercial farmer in the Midlands province.

Specialist cattle breeder Philip Hapelt, 86, and his wife, Ellen, a South African by descent, are living in fear at their Grasslands Ranch on the outskirts of Gweru town.

They are constantly reminded that they are not welcome there and they should leave the farm.

The couple's daughter, Lauren Nixon, said: "Mangena, using his thugs, always drives by making a noise and toyi-toying at the front gate. They recently destroyed a section of the fence. In the past few months my father was assaulted and left with a cracked skull by thugs, but the police have refrained from arresting them because they have strong political links."

At the height of the chaotic Zanu-PF land grabs, the then Minister of Lands entered into an agreement with Hapelt. The agreement stated that Hapelt would give up the majority of his land. In return he would be allowed to keep Grasslands.

The High Court has recognised the validity of the agreement and has issued a certificate to keep Mangena off the property.

However, Mangena has defied the order, claiming that he has an offer letter for the farm. He has employed a farm manager, Manuel Gumbo, to carry out the eviction.

"I have an offer letter to be at the farm. The land reform exercise is done in a transparent manner. I was issued with an offer letter last year and I have the right to be at the farm," said Mangena.

Hapelt originally owned 10 properties, but nine were taken away, leaving him with Grasslands.

His late father bought Grasslands in 1919, leaving the property to him when he died in the 1950s. Hapelt has sold cattle to high- profile clients, including President Robert Mugabe.

Attempts by the Hapelts to keep their property have forced them to ask the South African High Commission for help.

"South Africa is in a strong position to bring pressure on the government to stop this gangster-like behaviour. It is not an unreasonable request to ask them to protect their citizens and honour their obligations," said Nixon about her attempts at getting the attention of the South African High Commission.