The Struggle for Control: A Conflict Over Land and Hope
A deepening conflict has erupted within the Zvimba East Veterans Investment Company (Zevic), a property development and agricultural enterprise owned by veterans of the liberation struggle. Two opposing factions of these veterans are locked in a bitter dispute over control of a valuable piece of land designated for residential development in Nyabira. This conflict has not only disrupted operations but also created uncertainty for hundreds of prospective homebuyers.
Both factions claim to have legitimate authority over the land, each presenting separate offer letters supposedly issued by the Local Government ministry. However, investigations have uncovered that one faction obtained its letter through questionable means, including alleged misrepresentation to authorities. Despite this, the group continues to operate in violation of a court order that prohibits them from engaging in any Zevic business activities.
This defiance has been further emboldened by reports of support from a senior police officer in Nyabira, raising concerns about political protectionism and misuse of power. The involvement of law enforcement in what should be a straightforward legal matter has intensified public scrutiny and frustration.
Compounding the crisis is the fact that the same faction, led by figures such as Michael Changadzo, Douglas Mandaza, Clifford Rutsate, and Jowel Samuel Muzhamba, faces an ongoing court case involving allegations of embezzlement and forgery of bank documents. Despite these legal challenges, the group has continued to disrupt Zevic’s operations, most recently by storming a stakeholder meeting organized by the company’s board.
“This level of lawlessness is shocking,” said a Zevic board member. “We are operating under a valid court order, yet these individuals continue to defy it, backed by some elements in the police force. Meanwhile, innocent home seekers are suffering.”
The feud has led to double allocations of land stands, causing widespread panic among those who had invested in the project. One frustrated buyer described the situation: “I paid for my stand in full, only to discover that it has been sold to someone else. Now I don’t even know who to talk to, and the police are not helping.”
The standoff has stalled residential development in the area, dashing hopes for hundreds of families who had anticipated settling in Nyabira. Stakeholders are now urging the Ministry of Lands, the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of War Veterans, and anti-corruption authorities to intervene urgently before the situation deteriorates further.
As the conflict between the veteran factions continues, the once-promising Zevic project now appears to be in limbo. It serves as a stark reminder of how internal power struggles and unchecked impunity can derail community development efforts.
The infighting has brought residential development in the area to a standstill, leaving hundreds of desperate home seekers stranded and confused. Efforts to obtain comments from the Local Government ministry and the police were unsuccessful at the time of writing.
Zevic CEO retired major Joe Chimonyo and Mashonaland West war veterans chairperson Cornelius Muoni, the company’s patron, could not be reached for comment.
Zevic is involved in an ambitious housing project that aims to develop more than 5,000 housing units across several areas in the Zvimba district. Many home seekers had already made partial payments or were in the process of securing stands, only to find themselves caught in the crossfire of the veterans’ turf war.
