Lawmaker Raises Maleme Ranch Issue in Parliament

WASHINGTON — 

The issue of Maleme Ranch in Matopo came up in Parliament on Wednesday with Matabeleland South lawmaker Priscillar Misihairambwi-Mushonga demanding answers from Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The legislator expressed concern at the victimization of villagers over their alleged interference with operations at the ranch, where they were recently kicked out to make way for a Central Intelligence operative Rodney Mashingaidze.

Misihairambwi-Mushonga argued that the removal of the villagers and their benefactor David Cunningham robs dozens of families of their livelihoods.

But Mr. Mnangagwa professed ignorance over the matter and asked the Movement for Democratic Changed (MDC) legislator to detail her case in writing.

Twelve of the villagers appeared in court Tuesday charged with kidnaping one of Mashingaidze employees.