A union representing Zimbabwe's few remaining white commercial farmers says violence on white-owned farms is on the rise with 16 farmers attacked by suspected ZANU-PF militants within the past few days.
The Commercial Farmers Union said Wednesday that police have failed to protect farmers from invaders, even those who have court orders asserting their property rights.
The union reported that a farmer’s wife in eastern Manicaland province was barricaded into her house and given four hours notice to vacate her property on Tuesday. It said looting has become rife on many properties.
"These events have been driven by statements allegedly emanating from a prominent politician who has instructed beneficiaries and officials to disregard court orders," a statement issued by the union said.
Commercial Farmers Union chief executive Henrick Olivier told VOA Studio 7 reporter Ntungamili Nkomo that there is utter chaos on the farms. Fewer than 200 remain in white hands from some 4,000 before President Robert Mugabe launched the country's chaotic and often violent land reform process in 2000.
Minister of Lands and Resettlement Herbert Murerwa was not immediately available for comment.
