Rains raise hopes for grazing land dispute resolution

Providence Moyo

Residents of Nyamandlovu hope that their long-standing dispute over grazing and farming land between wards 9 and 13 will finally be resolved by the recent rains . The tension between the two wards has led to incidents of cattle abuse by ward 9 residents as revenge for the destruction of their crops by stray cattle from ward 13.

According to Ward 13 councillor Joseph Nkomo, the cattle from his ward stray into the grazing land in ward 9, which includes areas like Acute and Cruiz. However, illegal settlers in these areas have responded by muzzling the cattle with wire as punishment for invading their croplands. Councillor Nkomo expressed concern over the issue, stating that “This is wrong because this area has always been good grazing land for our cattle. But now people who are staying here illegally have started farming. When our cattle stray into their fields they catch them and muzzle them. They punish them and put wires into their mouths and tie their legs, and the cows eventually die. This is a big issue for us.”

Councillor Nkomo also highlighted the destruction of crops as a significant problem since most residents in his ward rely on farming for their livelihoods. He appealed to local leaders to find a solution to the problem, saying “Many people here rely on farming to survive, and it is worrying to see people’s crops being destroyed. It is a problem because if you are given 2 hectares of land to farm but part of it is destroyed by stray cattle, it affects the yield. It also causes conflict.”

Ward 13 resident Timothy Masuku expressed distress over the situation, noting that the muzzling of cattle is inhumane. He said, “It is painful to see the animals suffering like this. It’s like being caught in a trap. The animals end up dying. It’s sad to see this happening.”

In response to the issue, Ward 9 councillor Gladys Mathuthu urged her constituents to refrain from such actions and find peaceful solutions to the conflict. She emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence, saying, “This is gross abuse of cattle, and I plead with community members to refrain from such behavior. We have scheduled a meeting for Wednesday to discuss this issue and find a mutually beneficial solution.”

Minister of State and Devolution Affairs for Matebeleland North Province Richard Moyo echoed Councillor Mathuthu’s sentiments, calling for peace and unity among the residents. He said, “I urge the community members to exercise restraint in such situations and prioritize peaceful coexistence. We must remember that we are all part of the same community, and it is essential to work together to resolve conflicts in a constructive and peaceful manner.”