Evicted Villager Sells Mazda B16 for US$200 to Feed Family
A villager, displaced from Mushandike Village 15B as part of the government’s anti-illegal settlers initiative, was compelled to sell his Mazda B16 for US$200 to support his displaced family, now residing elsewhere.
This distressing revelation was shared with a visiting team from former CCC president Nelson Chamisa, who were meeting displaced families in Mushandike, near Bhuka, approximately 20km from Masvingo.
Among the 200 evicted villagers, one individual sold his car to cover living expenses and rent in a nearby village, where some of the affected families sought refuge.
The villagers, who settled in the area during the 1980s, recounted their plight during the visit by the opposition group known as the ‘Blue Movement,’ led by Nelson Chamisa. John Shiri, one of the victims, opted to maintain anonymity for his neighbor while narrating the dire circumstances faced by the displaced families.
The visiting delegation, led by Amos Chibaya, Gift ‘Ostallos’ Siziba, and Prince Dubeko Sibanda, expressed solidarity with the affected families.
Shiri revealed that those affected by the evictions and demolitions now confront severe hunger after selling their livestock for minimal returns, with many alleging they purchased land from aides of Chief Charumbira and Chief Bere.
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“Most people have been reduced to beggars as most of them sold their livestock hurriedly to beat the seven-day ultimatum. My neighbour sold his car for $200, while others sold their hens for a dollar and goats for $10. They are now tenants in the nearby villages paying rentals of up to $50.
“We stayed behind for a while to wind up our projects. We have piggeries and fisheries here. This is the breeding time for fish and pigs, so we cannot relocate them,” said Shiri.
Chibaya said that the visit was just a solidarity visit to empathise with them. “As a movement, we empathise with everyone who was affected by the wanton evictions and demolitions. We stand by you in these trying times,” said Chibaya.