Self-styled Zimbabwean liberation war veterans have started to take over tourist lodges in Nyanga South district of eastern Manicaland province in a development reminiscent of takeovers of white-owned commercial farms under land reform from 2000 on.
Sources said war veterans and youth militia aligned with President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF party, accompanied by operatives of the Central Intelligence Organization, have been seizing white-owned lodges, cottages and other tourism facilities.
Nyanga South Member of Parliament Willard Chimbetete said the invaders, led by a woman believed to be a former freedom fighter, have caused havoc in the area.
Chimbetete said some of the invaded lodges are owned by foreigners. He said the police have been informed of the deteriorating situation. A police official refused to comment.
Reached by VOA, ZANU-PF spokesman Rugare Gumbo declined to comment.
Charles Kazhenga, a local official of the Movement for Democratic Change formation led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, said Nyanga business owners are now living in fear.
