Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko has told former Zapu and Zipra members to identify their assets which were seized by the government in the early 1980’s as President Mugabe had expressed willingness to return the seized properties. Mphoko said that the President had been touched by the plight of the former war veterans who are now living in abject poverty. Property belonging to Zapu and Zipra members was seized by the government in the period after independence commonly referred to as Gukurahundi, in which thousands of people were killed in Matabeleland.
Addressing former Zipra and zapu members at Castle Arms Motel in Bulawayo, Mphoko said:
The national healing and reconciliation process entails returning seized properties to their rightful owners
The people who bought these properties are struggling yet they made an investment. The Zipra and zapu properties are dotted across the country. So some of the men approached me saying they are living in poverty and it was saddening that they have properties they are not benefiting from. I took their messages to the President telling him of their problems.
I’m waiting for that list. zapu has properties all over the country. The President is ready but you are dragging me behind. I’m giving you a week to provide me with the list
More: Herald