A land dispute in Malipati is showing how rural communities get pushed off their property. The conflict involves Headman Manzini and Chief Sengwe pressuring villagers to give up land to groups like Malipati Agrihub and others linked to SATWILD. Villagers, led by Tazi Muchekelwa, say this wasn't voluntary or fair. Over twenty families have already been displaced, with more planned. Security guards now patrol fenced-off fields that these families once farmed.
The case reflects a wider national issue of forced evictions. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission has noted many complaints where traditional leaders and private investors push people off communal land, despite constitutional protections. After getting training from Cotrad, the community sought help from Matutu & Mureri Legal Practitioners. Their lawyers accused the leadership of coercive agreements that benefit only a few. Muchekelwa was later fined by the Community Court of Chief Sengwe for opposing the deals. SATWILD coordinator Chap Masterson claims all procedures were legal and voluntary, blaming Muchekelwa for misinformation. A magistrate's court reportedly sided with the project.
The human rights commission has opened a formal investigation. Critics say this situation shows a broken system where leaders meant to protect people instead enable their displacement, focusing on developer benefits over community rights and livelihoods.
The case reflects a wider national issue of forced evictions. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission has noted many complaints where traditional leaders and private investors push people off communal land, despite constitutional protections. After getting training from Cotrad, the community sought help from Matutu & Mureri Legal Practitioners. Their lawyers accused the leadership of coercive agreements that benefit only a few. Muchekelwa was later fined by the Community Court of Chief Sengwe for opposing the deals. SATWILD coordinator Chap Masterson claims all procedures were legal and voluntary, blaming Muchekelwa for misinformation. A magistrate's court reportedly sided with the project.
The human rights commission has opened a formal investigation. Critics say this situation shows a broken system where leaders meant to protect people instead enable their displacement, focusing on developer benefits over community rights and livelihoods.
