In a shocking twist, Zimbabwean businessman Muller Conrad “Billy” Rautenbach is set to receive over 1,000 hectares of land as compensation from the government. But here’s the kicker – the land is being taken from productive local farmers in Springs Farm and Stuhm Farm in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East Province, to make way for Rautenbach’s urban development project.

According to a letter from Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, the government is offering Rautenbach’s company, Marimba Residential Properties Limited, the land as compensation for a property he allegedly never legally owned. Court documents reveal that Rautenbach’s companies claimed ownership of land in Aspindale Park, but at the time, they weren’t even registered with the Registrar of Companies.

 

The land in question was given to the Joshua Nkomo Housing Co-operative in 2004 for housing development. Now, the government is taking it from productive farmers to compensate Rautenbach. This raises questions about the government’s priorities and the fairness of the deal.

 

The farmers being removed from the land are likely to be severely affected, losing their livelihoods and sources of income. It’s unclear what compensation or alternative arrangements will be made for them.

 

Rautenbach’s urban development project is expected to bring in investments and create jobs. However, the controversy surrounding the land acquisition may raise concerns about the project’s legitimacy and potential impact on the local community.

As the situation unfolds, many are left wondering about the government’s motives and the fairness of the deal. Will this project benefit the local community, or will it only serve the interests of Rautenbach and his company?

source – CrimeWatch