Farmer arrested (but alive) in Zimbabwe

I heard yesterday from a source in South Africa that a farmer and his family in Nyamandlovu, an area just outside of Bulawayo, were under siege in their home, surrounded by around 200 "war vets."

After some looking around today I found several stories online about this situation. See Sokwanele. See the Telegraph. See the Mail on Sunday.

The farmer's name is Wayne Munroe. The "war vets" had surrounded his farm, beaten and driven off his employees, and then invaded the homestead itself.

Mr. Munroe was confronted by three armed assailants in his office while on the phone with the police. After a struggle during which he was wounded in the hand, he pepper-sprayed them and escaped to the house where his mother and grandfather were located. His wife and children were holed up in another building, separated from Mr. Munroe and the rest of the family.

Apparently the Munroe's had phone & radio contact at least for a time and were able to let others know of their situation.

The initial incident happened on 30 April.

This story appeared in the Zimbabwean paper, "Sunday News" on 4 May. Mr. Munroe and some of his employees have apparently been arrested by the police for "assaulting war veterans who had visited his farm to discuss the land issue." Supposedly, the pepper spray Mr. Munroe used to defend himself "blinded" the three attackers.

No word on the rest of the family or whether they are still in control of their farm.

The local MP, Obert Mpofu, has been implicated in this illegal invasion and brutality. Check out this story. And a similar one here (same source most likely). It is a very likely scenario in light of the cooperation the police are giving the "war vets." See that here.

Keep the Munroe's and Zim in your prayers.

Blessings,
theMK