Kasukuwere blames Mnangagwa regime after fire destroys citrus trees at his farm
Saviour Kasukuwere has accused the Zimbabwean government of orchestrating a “veld fire” that destroyed hundreds of citrus trees at his farm in Mazowe.
The former ZANU-PF official, who sought to run for president in August’s election but was barred by the courts, claims the blaze was retribution for his political ambitions. Kasukuwere says 70 hectares of his Concorpia Farm were “completely destroyed” by the fire, along with infrastructure like an irrigation system.
“The cruelty we are experiencing is beyond comprehension,” Kasukuwere told ZimLive from his exile in South Africa.
“I never thought one’s country and those you have worked with in life can go to this extent.”
Concorpia has been at the centre of an ongoing land dispute. Kasukuwere alleges the government illegally seized the farm and gave it to a war veterans’ leader from Mashonaland Central, Ephanos Mudzimunye, despite a court order in Kasukuwere’s favour.
Production has ground to a halt amid the stalemate, as Mudzimunye refuses to vacate the farm despite the ruling. Kasukuwere blames President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime for allowing this to occur and not protecting his property rights.
While the full extent of damage from the fire is still unknown, it has further exacerbated tensions and devastated Kasukuwere’s citrus crop. He sees it as the latest move targeting him politically after the courts prevented his presidential bid. The tragedy underscores the still controversial nature of Zimbabwe’s land reforms.
