The family of deceased liberation war hero Tichaona Jokonya faces threats after army officials invaded their private farm near Beatrice. Men arrived at Elvington Farm on June 6 and began building fences around 300 hectares of the property. The workers claimed Colonel Kennedy Makavanga sent them to take control of the land. Jokonya bought the 424-hectare farm during 1992 and holds proper title deeds for the property. The former Information minister and UN ambassador died during 2006 and left the farm to his family.
Family members contacted the Lands ministry about the alleged land allocation to Makavanga. Ministry officials denied making any arrangement to give the farm to the army colonel. The property operates successful cattle ranching and horticulture businesses under family management. Jokonya's widow feels traumatized and the family lives in fear of further military interference. Family spokesperson Bester Jokonya reported the invasion to local police authorities.
Police arrested eight men who built the fence and charged them with criminal trespassing. The suspects appeared in Beatrice court and face bail hearings on Monday. The workers claimed Shadreck Chimbare from Chivhu hired them to build the fence. Chimbare reportedly works under Colonel Makavanga's command. The suspects fled when police first responded but returned weeks later to continue the fence construction.
Family members contacted the Lands ministry about the alleged land allocation to Makavanga. Ministry officials denied making any arrangement to give the farm to the army colonel. The property operates successful cattle ranching and horticulture businesses under family management. Jokonya's widow feels traumatized and the family lives in fear of further military interference. Family spokesperson Bester Jokonya reported the invasion to local police authorities.
Police arrested eight men who built the fence and charged them with criminal trespassing. The suspects appeared in Beatrice court and face bail hearings on Monday. The workers claimed Shadreck Chimbare from Chivhu hired them to build the fence. Chimbare reportedly works under Colonel Makavanga's command. The suspects fled when police first responded but returned weeks later to continue the fence construction.
