Invasion into our house – Ben Freeth
Via Justice for Agriculture (JAG) email. View “Flagrant violation of the rule of law on Mount Carmel farm” here
Last night [26 April] at 11 pm approximately 15 invaders arrived by vehicle singing and chanting and hurling verbal abuse came around our house on Mount Carmel Farm again wanting us out. Big metal objects were clashed together around the windows and an old ships bell that they had taken from inside my parents-in-laws house was rung.
They broke into the house through different places and burnt tyres – one of the burning tyres being pulled through the front entrance and into the courtyard. I was on the phone to police and they took the phone away. Landmine the leader was armed.
They pushed us around a bit and raised sticks and said that we must be out. One of them went up to the children’s room and taunted them. They beat my Tonga drum so hard that that the skin on the top of it broke.
Eventually police arrived and the invaders were ushered out of our house. None of the invaders were arrested. Landmine eventually gave my phone back when police requested it.
Shortly after police left [around 1 am] the invaders returned again chanting and verbally abusing us and saying that they would eat our children. Police came out again but the invaders left for my parents-in-laws house before they arrived.
It must be reiterated that there is a SADC Tribunal Judgement and 2 recent High Court orders that these people continue to defy with impunity.
Please pray.
Ben Freeth
August 30th, 2009 09:41
Yesterday, I returned from two weeks in Zim, having stayed most of that time on the outskirts of Chegutu. Mr Freeth’s situation, and his extraordinary bravery and decency were mentioned by people I met, several of whom know his family personally.
The Zimbabwean people we met were tolerant and spiritual. Their land is rich – fertile, and underpinned by a treasure chest of minerals. More important still is the love most of its people have for their soil, each other and God.
They need the support of the affluent world, so that when the present regime finally ends, it is replaced, not by further corruption, but by true democracy.
It seemed to me that the resourcefulness of many Zimbabweans was both their strength and their weakness. Yes, individuals were finding ways to survive by doing deals, but until there is police force which is truly responsible for the welfare of all citizens, which does not turn a blind eye to crime, which does not prefer extortion and bribes to keeping law and order, this great country will continue to totter on the brink of oblivion.
Mr Freeth is right. Prayer and good practice is needed, so that those who have harmed their fellow Zimbabweans will choose to stop.
September 28th, 2009 21:39
Ben,
I heard you on the radio the other day here in New Zealand. I was surprised and saddened by your plight. I knew when I meet you that you are made of “The Right Stuff”. I was impressed with your character, and believe that you have what it takes to pull through any situation. God bless you and your extended family.
Yours in Christ
Iain
September 30th, 2009 17:53
@Iain Steven –
Ben,
I was recently in London for an Aiglon reunion, and could hardly believe the story I was told about what you are going through, your bravery and your firm belief in what is right. When I think about our time at Aiglon, and how it prepared us for most anything in life, you clearly get the high bouquetin award, nothing could have prepared you for this except for your own personal fortitude. As someone said, you are indeed made of the right stuff. Ben I am so proud of you, and pray for the safety of yourself and your family. If there is anything I can do from NY, please let me know, sincerely I would like to help.
Warmest admiration and regards,
Cat Colella Graham class of 88
November 18th, 2009 12:20
Ben,
All I can do is support you – as you say, prayer.
In political terms there is I fear not much the West will do. We did not stop the Armenian genocide, the Holocaust (although we were at war with Nazi Germany from Sept 1939 so that was something) the Rwandan genocide and many others.
Publication in the world media is probably as good as it gets.
In natural terms you should leave but I cannot presume to advise you flawed as I am!
By all means appeal to the West but don’t expect anything from our politicians – journalists may be different.
At the end of the day it is realpolitique and maintaining the aid industry (why I don’t know but there we are) unless you can persaude a sea change in attitudes which will take a long time.
I have lost your phone no. but I recall your phone was burnt in the arson.
God bless,
Andrew Storer