COMMERCIAL
FARMERS' UNION
Farm
Invasions And Security Report
Thursday 28
February 2002
This report does not purport to
cover all the incidents that are taking place in the commercial farming areas.
Communication problems and the fear of reprisals prevent farmers from reporting
all that happens. Farmers names, and in some cases farm names, are omitted to
minimise the risk of reprisals.
NATIONAL
REPORT IN BRIEF
· In Featherstone, pressure against farmers to
pay terminal benefits to workers is ongoing. Efforts to get police to react are
frustrating as they are clearly very reluctant to get involved. The following
two farms are the latest victims: Oasis and Aston labour went on strike,
demanding terminal benefits from owners, who were blocked from leaving. "War
vets", who are the driving force behind these demands, threatened to sell
owners’ cattle if demands were not met, with a cut of the proceeds going to
themselves as “commission”.
· Nyabira - A ZTV report on 26.02.02 stated 1000
cattle had been deliberately driven into 500 acres of settlers’ maize on Inkomo
farm. The owner says he has settlers on
the farm, who have less than 5 ha under cultivation, of which only 0,5 ha is
maize. The maize is drought
stricken. It is believed the incident
occurred on the next door farm, but confirmation of details is awaited. The reports of 500 acres of settlers’ maize
is highly exaggerated.
· The owner of Maidavale, Kadoma, who was beaten
unconscious at the beginning of the month by settlers, has now been released
from hospital. He went to the police in
Kadoma to inform them he would be returning to the farm. The settlers were waiting for him when he
arrived and he had to do some creative driving to avoid another
beating.
· Five sheep have been stolen from Bonsted,
Kwekwe, forcing the owner to make a kraal for the flock inside the homestead
area. “War vets” reacted by threatening to cut the fence and threatened the
owner’s life, for the second time.
· DDF tractors are active, ploughing in
Chimanimani and Tengwe.
· Palm River Ranch, Masvingo, reports two "war
vets" and approximately 30 old men demanded compensation of 30 head of cattle
from the owner. They claim that, fifty years ago, the owner’s father had used
their oxen for the making of dams and they had never been paid for the use of
their oxen. This is the second time this claim has been made and the owner has
again managed to deflect it until after elections.
· Alstar Haven, Masvingo, finally obtained a
permit from National Parks to move game out of a specified paddock. From 43
wildebeest only 13 remained; 14 sable, none remained; 12 Zebra, 3 remained and
the two remaining giraffe were still there. The Base Commander had shot all the
“missing“ animals.
REGIONAL NEWS
MANICALAND
General
- All other areas are very quiet at the moment.
More Section 8's were issued last week.
Chimanimani
- DDF tractors were ploughing on Charleswood
Estate yesterday, 27.02.02. The DA's office is bringing in maize from the GMB
and are selling it at ZW$ 900-00 a bag, with the selling very selective.
American Observers were in the area 27.02.02, and were very interested as to
what is going on Rusape -
Ongoing political meetings in the area.
MASHONALAND
CENTRAL
Bindura
- There are ongoing labour disputes where demands
are made for the owners to pay gratuities and severance
packages.
Centenary - Many of the farms in the area have stopped
working today as all labour had been ordered to attend a rally in
Mvurwi.
Horseshoe - On the 26/2/02 on Makombe Farm, "war vets" and
Zanu (PF) youth demanded transport for President Mugabe’s forthcoming star
rally. They threatened the owner that non-compliance meant he would be removed
from his farm within the hour. He vacated the farm. The following day a vehicle
with the "CAMPFIRE" logo arrived on the farm carrying several occupants. They
informed the farmer that the DA in Guruve had given them permission to shoot 20
animals in the game enclosure on the farm. The DA was not reachable and
the police were informed but, as yet, have not responded. On Manovi Farm the "war vets" demanded
transport be provided as at Makombe, the farm lorry was in Harare on farm
business. The "war vets" then threatened the owner with violence if the lorry
was not returned to the farm for their use. They have prevented the owner from
watering or reaping the banana crop and they have not reaped or sold any of the
crop, which is rotting in the fields. On
Rungudzi Farm the "war vets" continue to demand the remaining workers vacate the
farm and all requests made to the ZRP have not resolved the issue.
MASHONALAND
EAST
Beatrice - Minor incidents
with Zanu (PF) youth.
Enterprise/Bromley/Ruwa –
nothing to report.
Harare South – at
Nyatsime/Walmer Zanu (PF) youths are using the Motor Cross Clubhouse as a base.
They forced the young farm workers to attend a pungwe that lasted until
0300. Mcb’s were stolen. At Nyambiri 4 mcb’s were stolen off
boreholes. Mashonda reports Agritex and
five others told the owner they were pegging for A2 resettlement. At Swallowfield mcb’s and starters were stolen. On Albion a calf was slaughtered and
removed. A further report states about
20–30 youths in a lorry stopped at a bottle store and then started harassing
traffic on the main road. The Beatrice police were informed who said they would
react when they had transport. Rainham Farm reports the youths came to the
homestead demanding food for a rally.
The owner refused. They demanded
money instead, which he gave them after pressure. They have left 10 youths on the farm and
moved off. The 10 youths have caused a
work stoppage and held a pungwe at the school on the premises. Still ongoing.
Featherstone - Pressure
against farmers to pay terminal benefits to workers is ongoing. Efforts to get
police to react are frustrating who are clearly very reluctant to get involved.
The following two farms are the latest victims: Oasis and Aston labour went on
strike, demanding terminal benefits from owners, who were blocked from leaving.
In a situation reminiscent of Beatrice/Harare South recently, "war vets", who
are the driving force behind these demands, threatened to sell owners’ cattle if
demands were not met, with a cut of the proceeds going to themselves as
“commission”.
Macheke/Virginia -
Springs Farm reports ongoing problems
with pegging and hut building. This is an unlisted farm. The incidences were reported to all
authorities and the DA with nothing done about the situation to date. B and K Estates states Agritex officials are
pegging on the farm. Journeys End had cattle pushed into "war vets"
maize. The police and "war vet" Matatsi's men were collected from Macheke, and
the matter resolved with farmer paying five bags of maize in compensation. In
addition, three heifers were stolen, reported on C.R. number
3112. Nyadora Farm had the Zanu (PF) youth brigade
marching up and down the road in front of the house at 0330 hrs, chanting party
slogans.
Marondera North - Warwick
still reports poaching with weapons and dogs, and the police say they will
react. There is on going voter education
and intimidation in the area.
Marondera South - Stow Farm
has been re invaded and the surrounding farms told they must supply
food
Wedza – the robbery of the
workshop at Igudu last week during the owners absence, it now comes to light the
entire workshop was cleaned out, including a motorbike, welder, compressor and
gas welder. The farm lorry went to obtain fuel this morning and was stopped
and the driver told the fuel belonged to
the Government. The owner was told he must be off the farm 28.2.02. and he must
go and see the DA if he wants an extension to stay on the farm. The settlers are
demanding the owner brings back his irrigation pipes so they can use then. At
Iamba MCB's stolen yet again on 25.02.02.
On Boisserain, settlers tried to stop the owner making silage. Agritex came and pegged Raleigh into 13 plots
of approx. 90 ha each. On 22.2.02 the
owner of Msasa had a visit from a
Richard Madavu who said he would be moving on to the farm in March with 150 head
of cattle and also to start land preparation. When it was pointed out to him the
farm was not listed he became argumentative and abusive. The owner has been to
his lawyer and received a letter to give to Mr. Madavu when he returns. The Imire settlers are claiming ZW$ 20
000-00 from Eldoret and ZW$ 20 000-00 from Idube for damage to maize by eland.
Extortion for maize damage is ongoing on several farms. "War vet" Murewa is at Skoonveld asks every
day why the owner is using the barns and other facilities, claiming these no
longer belong to him and generally making a nuisance of himself. Bita reports 3 MCB's stolen from the barn
area very close to where the police are stationed, who heard and saw
nothing. In general, two MDC activists were caught distributing
leaflets on Bristol during the night on 27.02.02. They were badly beaten, then
marched to Iamba where they were beaten again. They were taken to Eldoret, which
is now a Zanu (PF) youth camp and interrogation house for the area. The OIC and
second in command from Wedza reacted extremely well. Within a very short time of receiving the
report they managed to get the two victims out and back to Wedza Police station.
While at the camp the activists would not admit they had been beaten but told
the OIC in his office information necessary to arrest two men from the camp and
three others from Iamba, which was done later in the morning. The police also
reported blood on the floor and walls of the interrogation house and other signs
of previous beatings. The two beaten men are now in hospital. An illegal road
block was again put up on the Watershed Road on
25.02.02.
MASHONALAND WEST
(NORTH)
Trelawney/Darwendale – on
20.02.02, Zanu (PF) youths and settlers held a meeting at Kutama store. They then broke through the gate at Kutama
workshop and demanded transport to Darwendale from the farm manager, which was
refused. The group then moved up the road to Harefield Farm, where they again
demanded transport from the manager, which was also refused. The manager said he would call the owner, who
addressed the group and also refused to provide transport. The group blocked any
movement in or out of workshop area, the time being shift change-over time, and
threatened to burn the tractors. The group moved away a short distance and the
owner called the labour to resume their work. The group surrounded the owner in
an aggressive manner - one threatened him with his life, another kicked him in
the abdomen and his video camera was taken from him. The owner’s son, on a
neighbouring farm, was informed by the manager and contacted the police at 1500.
He went to Harefield to assist and was stoned upon his arrival. He retreated
whilst still being stoned and the passenger window was broken (a rock was thrown
through the driver’s open window, the driver ducked and it smashed the window on
the other side). The son went back to the neighbouring farm, where he met the
neighbour on the road and both started to return to the workshop area. The group
left the owner and gathered at the beerhall, which is their base. The police arrived at 1600, spoke to the
group but did not approach the owner.
Darwendale police station gave out a CCR number and said they will
investigate.
Ntsinje
Pa Gomo Farm has had continued problems with a group of 10 men claiming they are
the new owners of the farm. This farm has had no resident settlers and the
normal day-to-day meetings with the Zanu (PF) youth started on 12.01.02 January,
with the standard procedure followed with demonstrating the party slogan,
toyi-toyiing and the extortion of money in the form of bonuses were demanded
from farmer. Carlton Curlieu Farm has
had repeated problems with the head settler from the neighbouring farm, Shoko,
accusing the labour of witches in their midst.
After lengthy deliberation the owner agreed to collect a certified N'anga
(witchdoctor) to cleanse the farm village. In total the owner has lost three
tobacco reaping days and five days in the roses as a result of strikes called.
The owner warned his labour that accusations of witch-craft are illegal and the
accuser can be prosecuted.
Raffingora -Incident 1: On 20.02.02, a robbery on a farm
occurred where a Yamaha 350 motor bike, two boat trailer wheels and a car radio
were stolen during the night. The police were notified and an RRB number issued.
One wheel was later recovered in the bush.
Incident 2: After a Field Day held on a farm, 19.02.02,
the participants held a social. On
leaving, they encountered chopped trees across the road and a group of Zanu (PF)
youths tried to stop vehicles. Stones and rocks were thrown at the vehicles,
four were damaged, one seriously – windscreen and side windows broken. The
remaining vehicles got through unharmed. Police Raffingora responded and an RRB
number issued.
Incident 3: On 22.02.02, a farm reported a borehole
electric motor stolen in the early hours of the morning, and it is suspected
this was by the same people as incident 1.
Incident 4: feedback from the Raffingora Township – Star
Rally, 23.02.02, were threats to peg and settle a farm with 200 people. The owner notified the
observers/monitors. Several intimidating
threats were made about other farmers.
Incident 5: there were reports of road blocks at Chinomwe
tar road intersection, on 24.02.02 where Zanu (PF) youths tried to stop people
attending the MDC Rally in Chinhoyi. They were dispersed by mid-day.
Incident 6: stocks and valuables were removed from the
local club after information it could be under threat in the
future.
Incident 7: All the youth who have been attending the
previous weekend pungwes held on several farms during the last month were paid
ZW$ 1,000.00 each at a local farm.
Incident 8: there was a farm report of theft of a red
Honda 125 motor bike. This was tracked to the tar road heading in the direction
of Banket.
In
general, there has been an increase in strangers and Zanu (PF) youth watching
every move on the farms. Zanu (PF) has been active in intimidating labour forces
and owners. There is a serious shortage of rainfall now, with a total of 29 mm
for February and maize crops have been severely affected.
Umboe - Temperley Farm owner
was asked to report to the DA's office in Chinhoyi on 18.02.02 to answer to DA
about charges made by "war vet" Korie the owner had “paid off “the DA. in
company of liaison team discussion was held, where the charges were denied. "war vet"
Korie insisted this had been said and he had 20 youth as witnesses. On
the issue of Mr. York’s trucks, it was eventually agreed they would be moved and
two have moved to date. The farm was
issued with a Section 5 on 23.02.02 by officials from the Ministry of Lands, and
the owner told he had up to 25.02.02 to lodge an appeal. Notice dated
18.02.2002. On Devonia Farm, snaring and
poaching continue. The owner of Dichwe
Farm was approached by settlers and their chairman, who complained his cattle had been in their
maize and they wanted 10 tonnes of maize as compensation, which was refused. The
situation has not been resolved. There
is continued poaching and snaring on Inyati Farm. The owner has received a letter from the DA's
office in Chinhoyi requesting his assistance to re-open an old gold mine on the
property. This has been ignored and nothing further has taken place. On 23.02.02 on Kaukua Farm, a paddock fence
was cut and the cattle penned inside got out and damaged settlers’ maize on the
next-door farm, Inyati. The Inyati Police Post advised the settlers there was no
case; the wire had been cut and it was their responsibility to find the person
who did it. They were also warned there were to be NO claims for compensation
and if anything further occurred they would be arrested. snares were removed
from two of the owners’ cattle. Snaring and poaching has intensified. The
Umboe Polo Club was broken into on 26.02.02 and a large amount of cutlery was
stolen, about ZW$ 50,000-00. This was reported to the Inyati Police who
followed up and two settlers were arrested, one residing on Longmead and the
other on Talfourd Farm. they were both in possession of property taken from the
Polo Club and have admitted to the crime. Police believe that these same two
are responsible for breaking into the Umboe Sports Club last month. At Long
Valley there are ongoing problems with cattle dipped using the owner's dip
without consent and refusal to pay for cattle dipped. Poaching and snaring on the increase at
Longmead Estates. Fish poaching rampant
at Highway/Geluk. Police have plots
around the dam. The "war vet" from Hillrise Farm told people at a rally that
anyone could fish. Green maize theft is ongoing. Chisaki had a cow
slaughtered. Njiri Farm received a
Section 5. Mtunzi Farm was told there
were plans to build a government school. The labour were told they can apply
for GMB maize. The cattle herd on
Bluehills Farm reported strangers on the farm. the police eventually reacted
and money was retrieved that was stolen from Lomagundi College.
Nyabira - A ZTV report on
26.02.02 stated 1000 cattle had been deliberately driven into 500 acres of
settlers’ maize on Inkomo farm. The
owner says he has settlers on the farm, who have less than 5 ha under
cultivation, of which only 0,5 ha is maize.
The maize is drought stricken. It
is believed the incident occurred on the next door farm, but confirmation of
details is awaited. The reports of 500
acres of settlers’ maize is highly exaggerated.
Chinhoyi – on Highbury Estates
a steer was killed by either spearing or bow and arrow. The poachers took two
hind legs and left the rest of the carcass.
Tengwe - DDF tractors are
ploughing again.
MASHONALAND WEST
(SOUTH)
Norton - On Ardmore Farm which
the owner vacated some time ago, three horses were burnt by a settler fire just
before the rainy season, one of which died this week. The other two remain in a
serious condition.
Selous - On Virginia Farm a
settler stole a pig from another settler, and was killed by the pig owner for
the theft. Zanu (PF) youth have been holding pungwes every other day in the
southern area of Selous. On Hillview the foreman was badly assaulted and the Zanu
(PF) youth have stolen goods from the store, saying that it is "on credit".
Chegutu - The owner of Lot 1A
of The Grove remains off his farm. Initially the DA Chegutu would not allow
SPCA to take the animals off the farm. it turns out all but two of the chickens
had been eaten by settlers anyway. A Zanu (PF) flag is now flying and the
settlers claim it is a Zanu (PF) farm. The workers have not been allowed to
work for a week and no export horticultural produce has been reaped, exported or
irrigated. The settlers have said they want the crops to die, and judging from
the lack of assistance from all the authorities, this attitude is endorsed. The
owner is losing ZW$ 1 million a day in turnover. Zanu (PF) rallies are taking
place every day with obligatory attendance from farm labour on neighbouring
farms. On De Rus the same Zanu (PF) youths assaulted a labourer and the
obligatory attendance of rallies means production is severely affected. This is
also a horticultural farm and the turnover is than larger on Lot 1A of The Grove. A manned road
block has been in existence for nearly a week with no arrests made, nor have
there been arrests of those involved in the house-breaking, theft of goods,
weapons, and ammunition, the shooting at farmers in their vehicles, the eviction
of the owner and his family from Lot 1A of The Grove, eviction of the foreman,
the destruction of property, etc.
Suri-Suri - On Kasama reaping
tobacco was stopped as labour were forced to attend a ZANU (PF) meeting. On San
Fernando a thirty tonne rig worth of scrap metal was stolen and the property has
been stripped by settlers. The settlers are currently living in the main
homestead where furniture and kitchen equipment (fridges, stoves etc.) still
belonging to the manager are situated. On Makuti the property is reported to
have been stripped, but no-one is able to ascertain the extent of damage caused
by the settlers. In Chegutu town, the MDC youth chairman was beaten up by Zanu
(PF) youth and then burnt by having plastic set alight placed on his torso.
Apparently his offence was putting up MDC posters, which the Zanu (PF) youth
state are not allowed in Chegutu.
Kadoma - The owner of
Milverton Estate stopped at Golden Valley close to his farm to pick up school
children, and give them Mahewu (fortified maize meal substitute). The Zanu (PF)
youth appeared and accused him of working for MDC. They started letting his
tyres down but he was able to drive off, but not before they smashed his
windscreen with a beer bottle. He
sustained a cut to his head. The owner of Maidavale, who was beaten unconscious
at the beginning of the month by settlers, has now been released from
hospital. He went to the police in
Kadoma to inform them he would be returning to the farm. The settlers were waiting for him when he
arrived and he had to do some creative driving to avoid another beating. On
Queensdale a group of 21 Zanu (PF) youth arrived at 0200 on 28.02.02 and woke up
the owner. They also woke up some farm labour wanting to assault some of the
younger ones who had refused to join the ZANU (PF) youth brigade. Poaching
continues throughout the area and there will be no wildlife left for the
valuable tourism industry if police to allow this to
continue.
MASVINGO
Masvingo Central - Another cow
was found dead in a snare on Quagga Pan B Ranch. Five are still missing and
feared snared/stolen. At Kalahari Ranch
a heifer was found dead in a snare. On
Limburgia Ranch, another two cattle were found dead in snares and two were
removed alive, but their legs will not recover. The total loss to snares since
23.02.02 is 12 head plus two bulls missing.
On La Pache Ranch two more cows were chopped with an axe on the
hindquarters. At Battlefields Ranch the
children of settlers have raided the owner’s vegetable garden in his absence and
stolen vegetables.
Chiredzi - General Comments:
the Support Unit raided the Msika Market in Chiredzi town and confiscated maize
being sold in buckets and stored maize. The maize had been obtained from GMB and
was being resold. Half of the cane
farmers received Section 8 Orders and it is expected the other half will have
received by the end of 28.02.02. the
owner and labour on Ruware Ranch were threatened on 25.02.02 by Zanu (PF)
youth. The Zanu (PF) youth then abducted
three youths, assaulted them and took them to the school. Police were informed
and reacted very fast, but the suspects escaped. This school has and is being
used as a future polling station. At
Sebanani Ranch, on the old Zaka dirt road, Zanu (PF) youth barricaded the road due to a “supposed”
MDC meeting taking place deep within the bush on the ranch. Police reacted, but
first visited the "war vet" camp and, taking their side, did not dismantle the
road block. Palm River Ranch reports two "war vets" and approximately 30 old men
demanded compensation of 30 head of cattle from the owner. They claim that,
fifty years ago, the owner’s father had used their oxen for the making of dams
and they had never been paid for the use of their oxen. This is the second time
this claim has been made and the owner has again managed to deflect it until
after elections. On 26.02.02 the owner
of Alstar Haven finally obtained a
permit from National Parks to move game out of a specified paddock. From 43
wildebeest only 13 remained; 14 sable, none remained; 12 Zebra, 3 remained and
the two remaining giraffe were still there. The Base Commander had shot all the
“missing“ animals.
Gutu / Chatsworth – Zanu (PF)
youth told the labour force on Blyth Farm they should be off the property by
noon 28.02.02. the owner is faced with herding and kraaling his cattle with no
labour. He is unable to leave them unkraaled because of crops planted by
settlers.
Save Conservancy - Poaching
and snaring continue.
MIDLANDS
Kwekwe: Mooi Rivier Estates
suffers extensive maize thefts every night. The thieves come armed with pangas
and security guards are unable to control the situation. There is snaring in the
cattle camps. The owner’s truck was
commandeered to transport youths to a rally in Silobela despite five other
trucks provided for this purpose by Kwekwe farmers. The owner was instructed by
"war vets" to re-open his milling company, closed for the past two years. They
apparently wish to mill their maize crop, and maize bought from the GMB, as a
community service for Sherwood and neighbouring areas. Settlers are still
ploughing and disking in preparation for planting and have asked the owner for
use of the central pivot for watering. He refused. Maize theft continues on a
nightly basis. On Bonsted, Die Weivelde, Long Valley and New Farm, three
homesteads have been occupied through force of entry and about every four days a
sheep is slaughtered. The occupiers have started pumps at Delvillewood,
belonging to the owner of Bonsted, as well as drawing water from the ZESA canal
to irrigate their crops. The owner has been forbidden to cut down his gum trees.
Five sheep have been stolen from Bonsted, forcing the farmer to make a kraal for
the flock inside the homestead area. “War vets” reacted by threatening to cut
the fence and threatened the owner’s life, for the second time. He is in the
process of moving all his sheep and cattle off the farms and will be leaving his
home for a while. On Beta Farm, poaching
is ongoing and the suspects are believed to come from Mbizo township. A cow has
been slaughtered on Jenville. Two youths
were taken from the farm at 18.30 one day and returned 08.00 the following day
with severe wounds, having been severely beaten. Two days later another three
youths were picked up on the farm road, accused of belonging to the opposition
party, and also severely beaten. On Benholm
pivot irrigation equipment has been tampered with but none seems to have
been stolen. On Igogo, maize is stolen from the lands every three days and four
goats were stolen on 23.02.02. On
Delvillewood Estates on 23.02.02, there was an attempted break in at a homestead
with thieves trying wanting to steal a bakkie (truck) wheel. The night guard
chased them away after the prowlers threw stones at him. One of the intruders
has been identified. Another attempt was made the following evening. Transport was made available for the police
to arrest the suspects. On Woodridge Farm, on 23.02.02, a motor for the
borehole, which services the entire farm, was stolen. It was reported to the
police and is pending investigation. A dilapidated pink pick-up has been seen on
the farm. On Belgrave Farm, on 23.02.02, another mombe was slaughtered and a
siren stolen off the pump station.
Housebreakers were apprehended on Sherwood Park Estates attempting to
steal household goods and furniture from two homesteads. Fences are repeatedly
cut on Machakwe Estates. A tame Eland
bull on Beta Farm was snared and poached inside the game park. The settler
responsible was caught by police with the meat and skin in his house. Poaching
is rife and done on a daily basis.
Shurugwi: Over the weekend
there was a clash between supporters of the two parties in a high density area
in the town. About 20 houses were damaged. Injuries to people were not too
serious. A farm owner, returning from Harare, hit a pile of big rocks in the
middle of the road resulting in a hole in the gearbox. A bus in front of him
cleared the rocks, which was the reason he did not see them. He feels drivers
should be warned to watch out for this sort of road block.
In
general, Zanu (PF) youths are demanding food from owners, maize theft is
continuous and poaching and snaring is ongoing on most properties.
MATABELELAND
No report received.
aisd1@cfu.co.zw
Visit the CFU Website www.mweb.co.zw/cfu
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Robert Mugabe has told Tony Blair to 'go to hell' after accusing him of
endorsing the Zimbabwean opposition.
Mugabe told a ruling Zanu-PF party rally that London has exposed its double
standards by suggesting a Zanu victory could not be free or fair.
Mr Blair is to press for Zimbabwe's suspension from the Commonwealth at the
organisation's summit in Australia this weekend.
Mr Mugabe told the rally: "Only yesterday, Blair stood in parliament
unashamedly to say the British government should stay ready to recognise and
support the victory of MDC . . . and not Zanu-PF.
"That comes from a man who professes to know democracy and international law.
But, of course, we say go to hell. Go to hell, our people have decided and that
is what matters to us.
"It's not the right or responsibility of the British to decide on our
elections. We don't decide on their own and why should they poke their pink
noses in our business?
"What's this latter day Blair imperialism? We will defeat Blair on March 9
and 10."
The state-controlled Herald newspaper warned that Britain and the opposition
Movement for Democratic Change were preparing to "instigate post-election
violence in Zimbabwe to torpedo President Mugabe's widely expected victory".
