The government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa reportedly repossesses farms from former First Lady Grace Mugabe, her daughter Bona, and other relatives. This move is widely interpreted as a deliberate effort by Mnangagwa to diminish the former First Family’s influence within Zimbabwean politics.
Reports from The Standard indicate that the government has taken over substantial properties owned by Grace Mugabe, her daughter Bona, and other close relatives. Many view this as a strategic maneuver to weaken the former first family’s power.
Grace Mugabe’s Properties and Land
Among the seized properties is Grace Mugabe’s expansive Mazowe citrus farm, which includes an orphanage and the Amai Mugabe School. This property has now been transferred to Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe, who has plans to transform the area into a commercial hub.
Bona Mugabe has also been affected, losing a significant portion of her farm in Mashonaland Central to Angeline Tongogara, the widow of the late Zanla commander Josiah Magama Tongagara. A Lands Ministry official disclosed that Angeline is now collaborating with Lance Kennedy, the son of the farm’s former white owner, to utilize the land, including the centre pivots purchased by Bona.
Other Affected Relatives in the Land Repossession
Grace’s niece, Florence Zinyemba, and her husband Flavian, who was matron of honour at Grace and Robert Mugabe’s wedding in 1996, have been evicted from their Protea Farm to make way for Auxilia Mnangagwa’s Angel of Hope Foundation. Additionally, Tariro Mnangagwa, the president’s daughter, has been allocated a portion of Kevin Mugabe’s Audley End Farm, a claim she had reportedly been eyeing for years.
Robert Zhuwao, another Mugabe nephew, lost Subdivision 4 of Cockington Farm to Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry after a failed legal challenge to retain the property.
A Pattern of Retribution
These land seizures reflect a broader pattern of retribution and power consolidation under Mnangagwa’s administration. Mnangagwa’s loyalists appear to be benefiting from their allegiance to the president, receiving lands previously held by the Mugabe family.
The Mugabe family views these actions as a continuation of the hostilities that began with the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe from power. Grace Mugabe, a vocal critic of Mnangagwa, actively opposed his presidential ambitions, leading to the current antagonism.
Official Silence
The government has remained silent on the matter. When approached for comments, government spokesperson Nick Mangwana stated he was unaware of the situation and suggested contacting the Minister of State for Mashonaland Central. Lands Minister Anxious Masuka was unavailable for comment.-iharare
