Mozambique: Locals invade and divide up a farm in Xai-Xai

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Mozambique: Locals invade and divide up a farm in Xai-Xai

11:38 CAT | 06 Mar 2025

File photo: O País

In the city of Xai-Xai, residents have invaded and divided up a pasture area on Nguluzane farm. The owners says that the usurpation of the area puts more than 800 head of cattle at risk, in addition to 40 jobs. Xai-Xai Municipality says the seizure is illegal.

The invasion of private property in Gaza continues. In this specific case, it is an area of 2,000 hectares belonging to Nguluzane farm in the Patrice Lumumba neighbourhood, which local residents have decided to seize and occupy, claiming that the area serves as a redoubt for criminal elements.

“For now, everyone has gone and shared the space. We are tired, the farm owner prefers to see his cattle living well and where are we going to live?” said one of the group members active in the protest.

Another said that “the area that extends from downtown to Patrice Lumumba is very risky.We are raped because of the bush”.

In response, the Nguluzane company demolished some of the shacks built on the property, much to the fury of the squatters.On Wednesday, individuals from 24 neighbourhoods demonstrated inside the development, demanding the company hand over around 200 hectares.

“He demolished our neighbour’s house and is always bringing cattle in. We came here to deliver an ultimatum: we don’t want to see any more cattle, tractors or security.” The spokesperson for the Brazilian-owned company, Clerivaldo Moura, says that the area in question serves as a refuge for 800 head of grazing cattle, especially during this period of flooding. Moura therefore rules out the possibility of giving up the space.

“We have around 2,000 animals and at this time of flooding, the only place I have for them is the place that is being invaded. During the meeting, the population was cruel and made threats,” Moura complained.

“In the coming days, no one should go there, neither animals nor workers, because otherwise there will be war. Today I have 800 animals that depend on Dali. Otherwise they could be at risk of death,” the manager of the enterprise warned.

In response to the unrest, the city council decided to meet the population, but the more than four hour meeting did not produce any consensus, and Dias Nhampossa called on the population to leave the area voluntarily.

“The attitude of the residents is not good. They took it and want the company to no longer have access to the area. What happens is that young people must realize that it is not possible to accommodate everyone at once, and that there must be calm and serenity,” he explained.

The police were on site to ensure that order was restored. This year, Xai-Xai city hall intends to intervene in the subdivision of new expansion areas, and promises the gradual distribution of land to the population.

Source: O País