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Conrad Mupesa Mashonaland West Bureau

ABOUT 38 families from Stockdale Village in Chegutu Rural District Council’s Ward 21 have clashed with a local commercial farmer and property developer who has been holding on to 11 cattle and 70 goats belonging to some of the villagers since Saturday.

The cattle and 28 goats were seized by Mr Johannes Makonye (59) of Bedford Estates after they had strayed into his property on Saturday, while another 43 goats were taken on Tuesday.

Mr Makonye is developing the farm with the intention of creating 150 by two-hectare plots for subletting, some seven kilometres north of the farming town along the Chegutu–Chinhoyi Highway.

The aggrieved families have also accused Mr Makonye of blocking the main road which the community has used since 2001 to gain access to a local clinic, school and a gathering place where they converge to hold meetings, receive inputs and grains.

Speaking during a village meeting to deliberate on the way forward on Wednesday, Stockdale village head, Mr George Murungweni (51), accused Mr Makonye of failing to live in harmony with the community.

“We understand that during this season, families are free to let loose their livestock as there are no crops in the fields, but he has tormented us,” he said. “He impounds and keeps the animals in some of his barns where he doesn’t feed them.”

Ms Ndanatsei Chimhashu, who has nine of her cattle in the custody of Mr Makonye, alleged that she tried to seek audience, but the effort was futile.

Mr Thomas Tafireyi, whose 28 goats were also seized by Mr Makonye some two weeks ago before they were released after interference from the police, claimed the farmer was still holding on to 23 more of his goats.

Mr Makonye, who admitted having the animals in his custody, said the villagers were vandalising his perimeter fence which borders his 664-hectare farm and the 38 homesteads.

He refuted allegations of starving the animals and said he would only release them to their owners once they admit of being guilty of letting their livestock stray into his private property.

Chegutu district development coordinator, Mr Tariro Tomu could not be contacted for comment.

A letter dated 28 February 2019 written by E Sumowah for the secretary for Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement said the Stockdale A1 settlement raised issues of administration and allocation of agricultural land.

According to the letter, the matter was referred to the Zimbabwe Land Commission in terms of Section 297 (1) (d) of the Constitution, to avoid further conflicts.