From Zimbabwe, CEOAFRICA.com gathered that not less than 70 families occupying Farm 27 in Chemagora district of the Midland province were evicted from their homes following a raid by armed police which razed down their huts.

Speaking about the incident, the traditional headman of the community explained that the eviction of some of the community members were against electoral promises made by the ZANU PF eight years ago that the Robert Mugabe-led government will provide land for them to settle.

“We voted ZANU PF back into power in July 31^st elections, only for all to be evicted from their homes last week without any place to go.” He said.

The people said they feel betrayed because despite the promises made and the length of time they have occupied the land, the farm owner Farai Magadzire accused them of living on his land illegally just after the elections, and was granted an eviction order by a magistrate in Kwekwe.

“We feel used because these politicians came here soliciting for our votes and even had a polling station on this farm, but now we are being evicted,“ the leader, who was part of those evicted said.

Another victim of the eviction, John Fire Gumbo, 72, said, ”We voted for ZANU PF because they made a promise that everyone should have access to land but now we are being thrown out and forced to stay in the open like animals.”

It was further gathered that the villagers had blocked police from evicting them the first time, but “armed police then returned and arrested 24 of the settlers, who have since appeared in count facing trespass and contempt of court charges”. Each of the accused was fined $100 each by magistrate Taurai Manwere after being found guilty.