HARARE – A tripartite committee comprising Zimbabwe’s main political parties on Monday began touring farms to verify reports of new farm invasions that have continued despite formation of a unity government six months ago.

The Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JOMIC) that monitors implementation of the power-sharing agreement signed by President Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Premier Arthur Mutambara said it was touring farms to validate information compiled by Lands Minister Hebert Murerwa regarding violence and lawlessness on farms.

JOMIC tasked Murerwa to compile a report on the situation on farms after being petitioned by several farmers complaining about the fresh farm seizures, violence and some criminal activities.

“We sent a list of invaded farms to Murerwa and he gave us a response and now we are verifying that before he responds again,” said a JOMIC member, who declined to be named or to say what Murerwa had told the committee.

Yesterday the JOMIC team comprising Tabitha Khumalo, from Tsvangirai’s MDC party; Frank Chamunorwa, from Mutambara’s MDC party and the three political liaison officers Lovemore Kadenge, Michael Mukashi and Kizito Kuchekwa visited Mashonaland West and Central provinces.

Another JOMIC member Oppah Muchinguri from Mugabe’s ZANU PF party was unable to travel with the team as she was engaged with other commitments.

Khumalo told ZimOnline by telephone from Mashonaland West that the team would also visit other provinces to probe farm invasions. 

“We want to verify the facts on the ground. There are conflicting statements about valid and invalid offer letters. We want to try to put a face to the information we have. We are hoping to complete the exercise at the end of October,” Khumalo said.

Farm invasions gathered pace almost immediately after formation of a power-sharing government by Zimbabwe’s three main political leaders last February.

Tsvangirai and Mutambara’s MDC parties blame hardliner elements in ZANU PF of stepping up farm invasions to undermine the unity government one of whose main objectives is to restore law and order on farms to ensure food production.

By Zimonline