Mugabes to challenge farm eviction

Former President Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace have filed court papers challenging an application by three farmers who were evicted from a farm in Mazowe in 2009 to pave way for the former first family's Gushungo holdings company. The Daily News reports that three farmers – Adonia Makombe, Sahungwe Hungwe and Nyika Chifamba – cited Mugabe, Grace, Gushungo holdings, Lands Minister Perrance Shiri, Home Affairs Minister Cain Mathema, police chief Godwin Matanga, and two unnamed chief superintendents as respondents. The trio claim they were given government offer letters for the Teviotdale farm in 2009, but were subsequently evicted to make way for the former first family’s business empire. They are seeking the eviction of the Mugabes from the property and demanding $39 000 in damages. However, the Mugabes have filed responding papers urging the court to dismiss the application. NewsDay reports that the farmers no longer have the offer letters which were withdrawn shortly after being issued.