The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that community members stole potatoes from Strathmore Farm in Banket.
In a statement released on October 1, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi clarified the situation surrounding the farm, which is owned by Retired High Court Judge Vernanda Cecil Ziyambi and currently leased to Jonathan Timothy Mackwade for potato farming.
Nyathi explained that initial investigations revealed the farm manager had authorized farm workers and local residents to collect damaged potatoes from the field the day after harvesting was completed. He stated:
“Reference is made to a viral video alleging theft of potatoes at Strathmore Farm, Banket. The Zimbabwe Republic Police dismisses these claims and affirms that the community did not invade the farm to steal potatoes.
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The correct information is that the farm is owned by Retired High Court Judge Vernanda Cecil Ziyambi and leased to Jonathan Timothy Mackwade for potato farming. Preliminary investigations indicate that potato harvesting began two weeks prior and concluded on September 23, 2024. On September 24, the farm manager permitted farm workers and locals to gather damaged potatoes from the harvested area.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges the public to refrain from spreading false information about this incident.”
It remains unclear whether Ziyambi acquired the farm she is leasing or received it free from the government under the land reform program.
A concerning trend has emerged in the past two decades: some individuals who were granted farms at no cost lack the capacity to farm and subsequently lease the land to landless farmers. Those with political connections often benefit from the controversial land reform program, profiting from rentals, while many aspiring farmers are left without land and are exploited by land barons.
