At least 21 families have reportedly been left homeless after a violent eviction from Arnold Farm in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central Province, earlier this week a development that has reignited controversy over the continued involvement of political elites in land disputes.
The forced removals, which took place on Monday, allegedly resulted in families being dumped along the Harare–Bindura Highway with their belongings scattered and damaged.
Arnold Farm has a long history of disputes, having previously been linked to prominent political figures, among them former First Lady Grace Mugabe, who also attempted to displace settlers during her tenure.
According to witnesses, the latest eviction was carried out abruptly and with force. Residents claim they were given only a few minutes to vacate their homes before the structures were set on fire.
“The eviction was heartless. We were ordered to take our belongings immediately, and in the rush, many items like wardrobes and kitchen units were destroyed,” said one of the affected villagers, Pearson Tagara.
Families, including young children, are now enduring harsh conditions in the open as rains begin, with no immediate shelter or assistance in sight.
The incident has sparked outrage among human rights observers, who say it highlights the urgent need for transparent and lawful handling of land ownership disputes in Zimbabwe.
