LOCAL Government minister Ignatious Chombo and Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman John Mafa yesterday denied involvement in Tuesday’s invasion of CAPS Holdings owner Frederick Mutanda’s farm by suspected Zanu PF militias.
Report by Wonai Masvingise Senior Reporter
Mutanda on Tuesday accused Chombo, who is Zanu PF secretary for lands in the party’s politburo, and Mafa of sending party militants to invade his Ravie Farm in Mutorashanga. Mafa, however, said in an interview yesterday: “I have never spoken to anybody about Mutanda’s farm, but he was told to produce papers that prove he is the rightful owner by (Mashonaland West governor and Resident minister) Faber Chidarikire.”
“Personally, I have nothing against Mutanda or anybody else, so I never sent people to go and invade his farm. What I remember is that when I sat on the lands committee, Mutanda was asked to produce documents that proved his ownership and I’m not sure he has done that yet.” But Mutanda yesterday insisted he had submitted the requisite proof to Chidarikire when he came into office.
“I actually did that a long time ago. I gave (former Mashonaland West) governor (Nelson) Samkange years ago and I also visited the current governor Chidarikire in his office and gave him the proof two years ago,” said Mutanda.
Chombo denied any involvement in the matter and said claims by Mutanda that he had instigated the invasion were not true.
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“I know nothing concerning that issue. Daily News, NewsDay, you one and the same because you are both opposition papers. Go and read your sister paper and see my (earlier) comment,” he said, referring to a Daily News article in which he refuted allegations of his involvement.