*Tihlo Ra Le Hlengweni News 01 June 2025* *Tensions Escalate in Chiredzi Over Land Dispute* Tensions are rising in the Malipati area of Chiredzi District as villagers confronted their village head , Headman Manzini, over a contentious land dispute. The conflict erupted when community members accused Headman Manzini of coercing them into donating their ancestral land to third-party investors. The situation escalated further when Tazi Muchekelwa, a prominent defendant in the case, was summoned to appear before the local court at Davata Community Hall on May 28. Muchekelwa is accused of inciting the community to disrupt the Malipati Agrihub, a community-driven agricultural project. In a letter dated May 1, addressed to village head James Dube and copied to Chief Sengwe and the Malipati Farmers Association, the villagers detailed the pressure they faced from Headman Manzini. They highlighted that he was attempting to force them to donate their land against their will. The affected villagers, including Muchekelwa, John Dube, Joseph Mungowa, and Felina Ncube, expressed their grievances following a series of community dialogue meetings facilitated by Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (Cotrad). These meetings provided a platform for the villagers to voice their concerns and seek legal assistance from Matutu and Mureri legal practitioners. The community is alarmed by plans to forcibly remove over 15 families from their land, as evidenced by the installation of fencing and the hiring of security guards to prevent landowners from accessing their properties. “This situation stems from a deep sense of betrayal among community members regarding agreements that allow land to be used for agricultural purposes,” the villagers stated. They noted that current crops of maize, sorghum, and beans are managed exclusively by the investors, with benefits limited to those who consented to the land deals, thereby denying equitable access to the broader Malipati community. The letter calls for greater transparency about the terms of these agreements and the anticipated benefits from the investors. Despite attempts to engage with local authorities and the investors, community members report ongoing frustration and a lack of responsiveness from those in power. These actions have been perceived as violations of the community’s socio-cultural and economic rights, undermining their traditional ways of life. Cotrad’s Action for Accountability Groups have documented instances of human rights violations related to the rights to land and livelihood in the Malipati area. In response to these challenges, Cotrad plans to provide platforms for dialogue, allowing community members to demand accountability from the corporations involved and emphasize the urgent need for policies that protect vulnerable communities from exploitation. https://chat.whatsapp.com/GAu4iePOQ4x9QuJ5zBhkAk *ADVERTS* *HLENGWENI CHILLAS IS OPEN IN MABOPANE.* Refresh yourself and enjoy with a tot of beer. Yes, it is taking place at Mabopane Block 1 CV 47 at Mai Nga's Tavern, which has been renamed *Hlengweni Chillas*. OPEN EVERY DAY UNTIL LATE. SAVEMORE LOGISTICS DELIVERY FROM SA TO CHIREDZI SOUTH , EVERY MONDAY TO ZIM AND EVERY THURSDAY TO SA. CONTACT MAXMAN MAKONDO AT +27717069504 Everyday transport from Chikombedzi to Chilonga, Book your Seat now, BabyFace Transportation is available with good services, Contact Darlington Chauke at +263 78 859 2065 CHIREDZI SOUTH TRANSPORT FOR SAND,GRAVEL, CONCRETE CONTACT Richard MADONDO ON *+27645357063* SEND MONEY HOME WITH RHUMAMINA FROM SA TO CHIREDZI TOWN - SOUTH FOR ONLY 10% CONTACT B MAKONDO AT *+27763193030* *Group Chat* https://chat.whatsapp.com/GAu4iePOQ4x9QuJ5zBhkAk *Our whatsapp Channel join here* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaVtG1G0AgWEEWQeu32t