The Sunday Mail
VP Mphoko
Bulawayo Bureau
Land reform beneficiaries selling State farms will be arrested regardless of their rank in society, Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko said yesterday.
Opening Matabeleland South’s 58th Agricultural Show in Gwanda, VP Mphoko said: “We know there are people in resettlement areas calling themselves village heads/headmen and selling land. I warn these land barons that we are watching; the law will soon catch up with them. “We don’t care how big they think they are; even if they are Members of Parliament (and)/or Government officials . . . they will be arrested. Some of them claim they are protected by President Mugabe. However, we want to show people that they are mere thieves. Worse still, the President is a man who hates corruption, so he would never protect any thief!”
The VP said land-seekers should use official channels.
He also encouraged Matabeleland South to use its resources and comparative advantages optimally.
“This province has between 500 000 and 600 000 people and borders South Africa and Botswana. You must use this strength to make this corridor grow. You have the richest grass in the whole country — good for cattle ranching. Further, you have gold which is 85 percent pure.
“I don’t want to come back here next time and find you as poor as you are. The time has come for you to stand up and work. But first, expose the land barons and get rid of them.”
