Masvingo – The newly appointed Zanu PF chairman for Masvingo Ezra Chadzamira has given Yvonne Goddard a 66-year-old widow two weeks to leave the farm where she has stayed for 45 years.
Chadzamira who is widely believed to be a Mnangagwa henchman was offered Cresta Farm which has a total area of 120 hectares and is 10km from Masvingo by the Minister of lands Dr Douglas Mombeshora barely two weeks after he took over as the Zanu PF chairman for Masvingo.
Chadzamira told The Mirror last week that he had no intention to evict the old lady out of the farm house and added that the woman can stay there for as long as she wanted.
However, The Mirror went to the farm this week on Monday and found Goddard packing her goods in readiness to leave. Her distraught workers, some of who had been on the farm for the past 38 years were not sure what will happen to them next.
Goddard who previously refused to talk to The Mirror opened up this time around and speaking in between sobs said that it was a lie that Chadzamira was not interested in the farm house.
“He came here together with his wife and the wife clearly indicated that they were coming to stay in the farmhouse. I am leaving because they wanted to come in as early as possible.
“After reading the article in The Mirror I would like to thank you for highlighting mine and my workers plight but would also like to make the following facts known
“Chadzamira told The Mirror he had taken over the farm but he was not taking over the farm house.”
A. At no time was I offered the right to remain in my home. Neither before, after or during the handover of the farm to Honorable Ezra Chadzamira.
B. Fact No (2) without the assistant DA Mrs. Tongofa negotiating a month’s withdrawal period, I would have had an official 2 weeks to leave my home of 45 years.
C. A further ‘fact’ during the handover of the farm a lands department officer, Mr. Shoko entered my house to inspect the premises, taking notes of the amenities.
Why was this necessary if I was to be allowed to ‘remain’ in my house?
Chadzamira also told The Mirror that I was moving on my own accord because I did not want to stay with ‘blacks. Why did he have to say this?
I have always lived among ‘black people’ in fact since the death of my husband Graham three years ago I have made many more friends who gave me both friendship and support , and to whom I am most grateful.
Furthermore it must be noted that eight workers are losing homes as a result of this including a 74 year old gentleman who has been with me for 34 years. Two others have stayed here for 27 and 18 years respectively with the 18-year-old having been born and lived here all his life. I pray that someone finds shelter for them,” said Goddard
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