16 November 1998
Squatters invade white farms in Zimbabwe

SQUATTERS and guerrilla-war veterans are occupying white-owned farm land east of Harare in Zimbabwe, according to The Times today (Monday).

White farmers in the area are under siege, with farming activities suspended or disrupted at 20 properties.

An elderly couple were knifed and two whites murdered last week.

The incidents were unrelated to the land occupations but have contributed to the climate of fear.

There is concern that the authorities are turning a blind eye to the situation.