Civic groups urge Rights Commission to probe Matobo land dispute

THE Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has been urged by a civic grouping to investigate a land dispute between Matobo villagers and the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Arda) in Matabeleland South.

Arda struck a partnership with Trek Petroleum to carry out farming activities at its Maphisa Estates, but villagers complained that the project has encroached into their ancestral lands.

Matobo senator Sithembile Mlotshwa (pictured) told Southern Eye that villagers in the area were being evicted from their lands, while graves were being desecrated to pave way for the project with no word of compensation.

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