Sumbawanga — AN irate mob from Kasaunga village in Sumbawanga district has invaded one of the camps located inside the farm owned by the spiritual leader of the Efatha Christian Ministry, Reverend Josephat Mwingira and set fire on property worth more than 220m/-.
The mob that went on rampage is said to have caused more damage to the other properties as they burnt two modern tractors, newly harvested maize and flattened several structures.
Villagers of Kasaunga and other neighbouring villages said a huge chunk of village land was appropriated by the church without their consent, leaving them without land to cultivate. Rukwa Regional Police Commander (RPC), Mr Jacob Mwaranda confirmed the grisly incident, saying that no any casualty was reported.
According to the RPC , 11 people who have been identified as ring leaders have been arrested so far and were arraigned in court on Thursday. It was further alleged that Rev Mwingira bought 10,000 acres of farm land from Sumbawanga district council more than five years ago at the cost of 600m/-.
Some of the critics said that was too cheap for such a huge farm land to fetch. Initially the farm was owned by DAFCO as dairy farm (raising cattle) and residents surrounding the area were allowed to live and cultivate perenial crops inside the farm.
However, official reports from the regional office revealed that after learning of the unstable state of affairs at the farm, Rukwa Regional commissioner, Engineer Stella Manyanya started making a close follow up for amicable resolve.
According to reports as a result of torture, villagers had been inflicted by employees of the farm, Kasaunga villagers turned violent and invaded the farm causing colossal damage of property. Asked why opted by taking law in their own hands instead of reporting the matter to relevant authorities for appropriate redress, the villagers alleged that their grievances were not heard in the past despite repeated efforts to iron out the differences.
"The farm employees here are heartless. They have made several arrests coupled with severe beatings and rape of women found collecting firewood inside the farm area," a villager alleged. Narrating the episode to reporters, Head of Efatha Church Ministry's in Rukwa region, Pastor Michael Meela said he was terribly disturbed by the damage and loss of property.
Source: Daily News
The mob that went on rampage is said to have caused more damage to the other properties as they burnt two modern tractors, newly harvested maize and flattened several structures.
Villagers of Kasaunga and other neighbouring villages said a huge chunk of village land was appropriated by the church without their consent, leaving them without land to cultivate. Rukwa Regional Police Commander (RPC), Mr Jacob Mwaranda confirmed the grisly incident, saying that no any casualty was reported.
According to the RPC , 11 people who have been identified as ring leaders have been arrested so far and were arraigned in court on Thursday. It was further alleged that Rev Mwingira bought 10,000 acres of farm land from Sumbawanga district council more than five years ago at the cost of 600m/-.
Some of the critics said that was too cheap for such a huge farm land to fetch. Initially the farm was owned by DAFCO as dairy farm (raising cattle) and residents surrounding the area were allowed to live and cultivate perenial crops inside the farm.
However, official reports from the regional office revealed that after learning of the unstable state of affairs at the farm, Rukwa Regional commissioner, Engineer Stella Manyanya started making a close follow up for amicable resolve.
According to reports as a result of torture, villagers had been inflicted by employees of the farm, Kasaunga villagers turned violent and invaded the farm causing colossal damage of property. Asked why opted by taking law in their own hands instead of reporting the matter to relevant authorities for appropriate redress, the villagers alleged that their grievances were not heard in the past despite repeated efforts to iron out the differences.
"The farm employees here are heartless. They have made several arrests coupled with severe beatings and rape of women found collecting firewood inside the farm area," a villager alleged. Narrating the episode to reporters, Head of Efatha Church Ministry's in Rukwa region, Pastor Michael Meela said he was terribly disturbed by the damage and loss of property.
Source: Daily News
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