The German Embassy in Zimbabwe has written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs protesting threats to German properties in the country protected by a bilateral investment promotion and protection Agreement signed by the two countries.
A German Embassy source told VOA that senior officials of President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF party operating as the so-called Masvingo Initiative intend to seize a number of private preserves belonging to Germans, including the Save Valley Conservancy Trust.
The German protest followed recent invasions of tourist accommodations in Manicaland province and elsewhere. A retreat at lake Chivero near Harare was seized this month.
Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi told VOA's Brenda Moyo that such invasions are hurting the industry and that his ministry has been working with Home Affairs to stop them.
