ZIMBABWE - Destruction of wildlife, the environment and sensitive eco-systems

Abuja, Commonwealth & Bubiana cont...

On returning to the conservancy the disgruntled squatters found their huts, and some of their possessions, had been burnt by the police acting under orders from Hungwe to clear the area. A group of them assembled outside Ranch owner, Peter Abbott's house, throwing stones and chanting 'Barber is a thorn in our flesh', 'Barber will pay' and, 'They will be burnt as we were burnt'.

Bent on revenge, members of the crowd went on to torch one of the conservancy's safari camps, which is now no more than a pile of stones and ash. Staff compounds were also burnt, the beds, possessions, food and money of the occupants going up in smoke.

The foreman's house was also set on fire, 'All his possessions, his money, radio, blankets, beds all burnt. All he had left was what he stood up in,' says Keith Pilz. Those staff members who hadn't fled were beaten and one had to be admitted to hospital when his arm was deliberately broken in two places.

Hilton-Barber and his men were totally powerless in this situation, 'The problem is you can't call in the police because the police regard this as a political thing and not a crime. They also tell you that because of this you cannot defend yourself.' Keith Pilz adds, 'A policeman told us that he could do nothing to help us or protect us. A soldier said he couldn't handle it here. He was just back from fighting in the DRC, and he is now powerless to fight back in his own country when he is being stoned and threatened.'

With government censorship of the press, the local Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation reported that the conservancy had offered land and then reneged on the agreement and burnt the squatters out. It was never pointed out that the order for the removal of the squatters had come from Governor Hungwe, who is only answerable to the President. The removal of the squatters and burning of their houses had been done by government forces and under government instruction, but the squatters continue to believe the propaganda that, whilst Hungwe might have been involved, he was bribed by members of the conservancy. Explains Hilton-Barber, 'This belief came about because the army and police arrived here with no petrol, not enough trucks and no decent tyres. We had to let them use some of our trucks and diesel and we spent an enormous amount of effort to get the show on the road on their behalf. Unfortunately we were seen to be orchestrating the whole thing and accused of bribing the governor to co-operate.'

Despite assurances from the local MPs and governors that they want the conservancy to continue operating and that poaching will not be allowed, on Monday 12th November the 'war veteran' leaders, plus a 70 strong jeering crowd, arrived at one of the lodges and demanded that all the staff remaining on the property be sent home. If they were allowed to work they would be beaten up. The following day they were told three staff members could remain on the property - two to herd the buffalo which roam in a fenced off pen in which squatters have also settled, and one to stay with the manager at one of the lodges. 'Our workers were verbally abused and intimidated in their homelands as well as on the conservancy. They are made to clock-in every day with the local war veteran leader,' says Pilz. With all the staff having been evacuated, poaching has now been given a completely free rein.