An MP in Somabhula who has snubbed a number of court orders telling him to leave the farm he has invaded, has this week ignored another eviction notice.
Philip and Ellen Hapelt from Grasslands Farm had to get a second eviction order on Monday, after MP Jabulani Mangena refused to leave the property last week. On Tuesday, Ellen Hapelt tried to convince the Gweru police to uphold the court order protecting her and her husband on their farm, but to no avail. The police have repeatedly refused to support the Hapelts, expressing their own fears of Mangena.
While Ellen was unsuccessfully trying to get the police to carry out the court ordered eviction, Mangena's manager and his workers tried to assault Philip. The couple's daughter Lauren told SW Radio Africa that the situation was very tense, but "my dad's workers managed to intervene and stop Mangena's workers from attacking him." Lauren explained that her mom insisted on a police escort back to the farm, which she described as "a small victory because it's the first time we've been able to get the police out there."
Mangena has led a campaign of harassment, vandalism and violence against the Hapelts and their workers, claiming he has an offer letter entitling him to the property. Late last year, the Hapelts were brutally beaten by a gang of thugs, in an attack the family believes was meant to drive them from their farm.
The Hapelts many years ago voluntarily gave up the majority of their land for the sake of 'reform', under an agreement that would allow them to remain on their homestead with a small portion of farming land. They already have two Court orders that entitle them to live on the farm without fear of invasion or persecution. But Mangena is openly disregarding the courts and has previously threatened the Hapelts with more violence if they approach the courts again.
Lauren said on Wednesday that Mangena is acting completely above the law, saying the family's only option will be to lay contempt of court charges against the MP. She said there is little hope that this will do anything, as Mangena has proved his as no regard for the courts. She said they are "playing a wait and see game," adding it's unlikely her parents will be able to keep their property.
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Abiding by the law...ZanuPF style.
People that refuse to abide by the orders of their own courts, yet some call them heroes.
You would call someone invading a farm, destroying all the crops and setting whats left ablaze a hero?
Gegene, What Gore is meaning here is when most people would call the MP an invader other's (ZanuPF) would call them heroes. The courts ruling should be upheld yes, but ZanuPF just thinks they are above the law, and the police don't want to lose their jobs or be beaten up by the green bombers. When the police actually do something to uphold the law or to be siding with the whites then that makes themin opposition to ZanuPF.
Well it looks like Jabulani Mangena is determined at all costs to remain in this farm. Let this be sure proof that Zimbabwe has gone to the dogs where there is no adherence to law. If anyone wants the land, the land they shall have, and if I were those white farmers, certainly not my personal property and because burning one's own unoccupied dwelling and structures does not constitute common law arson, I would burn up everything that is mine, shake off the dust from my sandals and say "Adios, it was nice knowing you jackasses," and watch that land lie reverting to bush and idle as those who lusted for it.
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