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Robert Mugabe

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Aug 2002

Orders white farmers to give up land

Introduces Bill0 Comments

In a speech marking Heroes Day — celebrating victory over the old white regime — Mugabe gives a stern warning to white farmers that his government will stick to its policy of removing them from their land. Nearly 3,000 farmers have been told to leave their properties, although only 500 have left so far. Those who remain could be fined and jailed for up to two years for ignoring the eviction order. Mugabe says the August deadline will  allow new owners of the land enough time to prepare and plant for the new crop season in October.

We set ourselves an August deadline for the redistribution of land and that deadline stands. All genuine and well-meaning white farmers who wish to pursue a farming career as loyal citizens of this country have land to do so, no farmer need go without land.

He also rejects allegations that international food aid has been diverted away from opposition supporters to his own followers.

We shall feed all. Even the stooges and puppets will have enough. No Zimbabwean should die of hunger.