MDC-T says one of Mugabe’s ministers has 19 farms

The Movement for Democratic Change led by Morgan Tsvangirai today said it is alarmed by President Robert Mugabe’s call to take over the remaining farms occupied by white farmers yet one of Mugabe’s lieutenants, and members of his immediate family, has 19 farms.

It did not name the minister.

The opposition party, which has been accused of being a Western puppet, said it understood that there are now less than 200 white farmers.

“Indeed, most commercial farm land has since been acquired by the State for re–distribution mostly to black AI and A2 farmers. It is also a public secret that most high–ranking ZANU-PF politicians, including cabinet ministers and some top civil servants and securocrats, have been allocated more than one commercial farm per individual,” party spokesman Obert Gutu said.

“We also have got it on very good and reliable authority that at least one senior Cabinet Minister has amassed no less than 19 farms for himself and members of his immediate family.”

Gutu said land must be distributed equally to all Zimbabweans and reassured Zimbabweans that his party will not repossess land given to new settlers should it take over.

“If anything, we will capacitate resettled farmers and offer them security of tenure so that land immediately ceases to be used as a tool for political patronage,” he said.

“We are determined to bring back the glory days to Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. Going forward, we would like the land reform exercise to be totally de–racialised and de–tribalised.

“Zimbabwe is one nation and we are all Zimbabweans regardless of race, ethnicity, colour or creed; including political affiliation.”

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