The Zvimba East Veterans Investment Company (Zevic) has accused the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) of aiding a splinter group led by Michael Changadzo in a bitter land dispute at the Nyabira Chitangazuva Site in Penrose.
According to sources close to the matter, on August 29, the Nyabira police officer-in-charge allegedly received a court order directing him to act against Changadzo’s interdicted faction.
Instead of enforcing the ruling, he reportedly demanded further documentation before accompanying Changadzo’s group to uproot fencing poles erected by Zevic workers.
This development comes despite an interim court order issued on 17 July 2025, which barred Changadzo and his associates from interfering in the affairs of Zevic.
Critics now accuse the officer of acting in contempt of court and shielding the splinter group from accountability.
“The officer has consistently refused to open a docket against the accused since June, despite repeated directives from Manyame District police headquarters,” said a source familiar with the case.
Contacted for comment, ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi dismissed allegations that the police were fraudulently involved.
He insisted that land disputes fall under the jurisdiction of the Lands ministry, not the police.
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“Issues to do with land are not the preserve of the police. They are the preserve of the ministry headed by Honourable [Anxious] Masuka [Lands minister],” Nyathi said.
“Anyone with queries concerning land allocation, disposal, or repossession should approach the relevant ministry. With regards to Zevic, we are aware of the factions fighting over control of the land.”
Nyathi added that while counter-allegations — including claims of criminal conduct — have been raised, the police would only intervene where there is substantive criminal evidence.
“These allegations were not just raised against the officer in charge. Some were even directed to senior police officials,” Nyathi explained.
“But as they stand, the allegations lack evidence. If anyone has evidence, they should bring it to the commissioner general, not as a way of settling scores but as a way of raising genuine issues.”
He reiterated that the ZRP would not allow itself to be drawn into factional fights or financial disputes between the two rival groups.
Zevic, a company wholly owned by liberation war veterans, is also facing internal turbulence, with members trading accusations of financial impropriety and governance failures.
Analysts warn that the ongoing disputes could undermine the company’s role in empowering ex-combatants through land-based investment projects.
