Posted on 09/06/2002 3:45:25 PM PDT by Clive
This report does not purport to cover all the incidents that are taking place in the commercial farming areas. Communication problems and the fear of reprisals prevent farmers from reporting all that happens. Farmers names, and in some cases farm names, are omitted to minimise the risk of reprisals.
THE FOLLOWING ADVERTISEMENT APPEARED IN THE HERALD FRIDAY 06/09/02 FROM ZIMRA (ZIMBABWE REVENUE AUTHORITY)
NOTICE TO ALL FARMERS AND FARM WORKERS AFFECTED BY THE COMPULSORY ACQUISITION OF LAND IN TERMS OF THE LAND ACQUISITION ACT (CHAPTER 20:10)
TAXATION OF RETRENCHMENT PACKAGES OF AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYEES
Notice is hereby given to all farmers affected by the above mentioned scheme.
The terminal benefits of agricultural employees affected by the compulsory acquisition of land are taxable.
However, the first $150,000.00 or one third whichever is the greater of the amount of any severance pay, gratuity or similar benefits, other than a pension or cash in lieu of leave, is exempt from tax.
This exemption applies in respect of the first $750,000 only and any amounts above this threshold become taxable in full at normal rates.
Farmers should produce a certificate to the effect that they are retrenching their workers due to the compulsory acquisition of land if the employees are to qualify for this exemption.
A directive should be obtained from ZIMRA for each farm worker who will be paid a retrenchment package. Where it is not possible to do so, guidance should be sought from the nearest ZIMRA office in order to ensure that tax is deducted correctly.
COMMISSIONER GENERAL
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REGIONAL NEWS
MANICALAND
Middle Save -
The farmers had their Section 8's turned over in court, however the OIC advises them to not to go to their farms as there is political turmoil in the area and the Police cannot guarantee their safety.
Chipinge -
On Lushoff Farm, 3 more dairy cattle were stolen.
Chimanimani -
Clearing and burning on the rise.
Burma Valley -
Still plenty of labour unrest, but all seems to be quiet otherwise.
Mutare -
There were 2 cases heard this week but were remanded until November.
Odzi -
All is quiet.
Nyazura -
on Clare Farm, the "war vets" want the irrigation pipes. The Police told them that unless an agreement was made with the owner then they could not have the pipes. The "war vets" changed the locks on Clare Farm 05.09.02. The Police advised the owner to lay a formal complaint.
Nyanga -
all appears to be quiet. One case will be heard 06.09.02.
Headlands -
Four cases were heard and remanded until the 10th September for a bail hearing and a further case to be heard on 17th September. Farmers are still not allowed to return their farms.
MASHONALAND CENTRAL
No report received.
MASHONALAND EAST
Macheke/Virginia -
There have been various problems with farmers barricaded in mainly due to S.I.6. wage package problems.
Theft is ongoing: one farm had the manager's house broken into and badly ransacked. Other items stolen on other farms include, sprinklers, tobacco asbestos sheeting, 13 head of cattle.
Another farmer had to appear in Court.
Other areas - no reports received.
MASHONALAND WEST (NORTH)
Umboe -
at Inyati Farm, a truck loaded with farm equipment was impounded after settlers complained to the Police base on the farm. The latter was built, set up and has ZESA paid for by the farm owner. Truck released 04.09.02.
Ayrshire -
three farmers were detained in their own yards by labour demanding retrenchment packages. About 10 farmers are paying various forms of retrenchment, even those who only received a Section 5.
Only one farmer is planting tobacco. Some are trying to finish grading.
At Allan Grange Farm the manager leased a farmhouse and was told by Minister Chombo to move out, as he wants the house. (Story in The Daily News 04.09.02, page 3).
Doma -
Labour problems experienced. A farmer was barricaded in his house by labour demanding payment of retrenchment packages. Labour sees others receiving packages on other farms and demand theirs, regardless of whether the farmer is continuing farming.
A2 settlers moving on to one farm. The D.A. told one farmer he must move off because he wants the farm. Plenty of extortion going on. One farmer had ZW$6,000,000 lifted off him after he had drawn it from the bank at Westgate, Harare. Another farmer paid cheques to his labour outside the bank in Mhangura, which is a safer method. Others use Fawcetts Security to pay their wages for them.
Chinhoyi - the owner of Athens, Upper Romsey, West Ranch and Dumalan Farms went to court where the Magistrate declined to prosecute because: the bank have not received a Section 5 or 8; and there has been no-one on Athens Farm for a year.
The Magistrate declined to prosecute the Dendadales Farm owner: no Section 8 received, only a section 5 and the owner has not been on the farm for over a year.
Banket -
at Buryhill an A2 settler stopped the farmer from reaping paprika.
An A2 settler threatened to forcibly evict farmer on 31.08.02 and an A2 settler drove 220 cattle out of feed pens and stole the tape so the owner cannot water or feed them.
At Rathgar, settlers moved into the homestead.
The owner of Mapandaguta Farm is still off the farm. In general, wage packages are causing havoc in the area.
Tengwe -
Retrenchments ongoing.
Army personnel have taken over two farms with the help of the police.
Chegutu -
The P.A. was visiting with a task force. Many farmers are evicted at 24 hours notice or less.
Karoi, Trelawney/Darwendale -
no report received.
NEWSFLASH
Farmers with Section 8's on the Umboe Road have been given 72 hours to move by the ZRP.
MASHONALAND WEST (SOUTH)
No report received.
MASVINGO
Mwenezi -
A team of game scouts from National Parks was sent down to this area over the last few days. Bubye River Ranch reports as follows:
The game scouts arrested 12 poachers over a period of three days, four of whom were arrested and charged and given eight hours community service. These twelve individuals were responsible for poaching the following animals:
28.08.02 - 3 Kudu, 1 Warthog, 2 Zebra, 1 Wildebeest, 1 Impala, 1 Female Eland. 4 poachers given 8 hours community service.
29.08.02 - 1 Giraffe, 1 Wildebeest, 1 Kudu. All cases pending for poachers caught.
30.08.02 - 2 Giraffe, 1 Kudu and 3 Warthog. All cases pending for poachers caught.
National Parks are reported to be returning to base as they have not received a helpful attitude from the Police and are frustrated due to the lack of Police Support.
These figures indicate the tip of the iceberg as far as poaching is occurring on these properties.
The Kleinbegin Ranch owner was told he had to be off his property last 26.08.02 due to his Section 8 expiring. He has since packed his belongings and moved off the property.
The Santidza Ranch owner has been charged, is out on remand, paid ZW$10,000 bail and is allowed to return to his property until his set Court Date.
Burning of lands, chopping of trees and more squatting continues on most properties.
Gutu / Chatsworth -
A2 Settlers continue to threaten owners they would like to begin ploughing and if not allowed to do so they will summon the "Youth League" to sort out their complaints.
At Makanya Farm the Ministry of Lands told the owner they must give half of their property to Government and come into their offices to sign LA Forms should they wish to remain and retain a portion of their land. If they do not comply they will be served with a Section 8 Order and therefore get no land.
At Mazongororo Farm the Ministry of Lands official informed the labour that the owner must come and collect all his belongings from the house. The owner has offered several properties through ZJRI and wishes to retain this property.
The Nyororo Farm owner was approached by Ministry of Land officials and was told that he must hand over half or "a portion" of this property or a Section 8 Order will be issued and then he will be left with nothing.
Chiredzi -
five farmers (Phil Tennant, Robin Crawford, Ben Lagesse, Alan Souchon and John Taylor) appeared in Court 06.08.02 after being charged for staying on their properties.
The Magistrate offered her sympathy and agreed this whole procedure was incorrect, however she also added that she was under immense political pressure from the Governor. As a result the Magistrate would not change the bail conditions or drop the case. She informed them that a letter was needed from the Ministry of Lands before she could do anything.
On speaking with Mr. Masanu, Ministry of Lands Head Official, Masvingo, he was uncertain as to whether he would be able to write that letter or not due to a directive sent out from the National office concerning letters written by officials on the ground.
The court case has been remanded until 09.09.02. The Public Prosecutor was ordered that he must obtain a subpoena or summons for a Ministry of Lands official to appear in Court on this date.
On speaking with the farmers they are of the impression that this procedure could go on and on with the Court case being continually remanded.
Masvingo -
Nothing to report.
05.09.02
. General comments - increased amount of fires on properties. Continued unabated destruction and poaching is rampant.
Gutu / Chatsworth -
at Nuwejaar Farm one steer was chopped on the head and killed early 05.09.02 while grazing on a salt block. Over the weekend four other head of cattle were reported stolen.
Northdale Farm reported two cattle stolen last week
Plenty of veldfires reported on Rossal and Chatsworth Farms
Three properties: Mazongororo Farm Nyororo Farm Makanya Farm had continued harassment by phone and visits from Government Land officials with the threat to hand over half or part of their properties otherwise they will receive a Section 8 and have no land.
In general, up to twenty youth have been seen at one time with packs of hunting dogs, presumably hunting for game.
Mwenezi -
Fires reported on properties. Extreme poaching continuing. Continued destruction of environment.
MIDLANDS
No report received.
MATABELELAND
No report received.
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