The Chronicle

BULAWAYO, Friday, December 25, 1992 — APPARENTLY hard hit by the shortages of food, squatters in Killarney, Bulawayo, are reportedly house-breaking and stealing food in the neighbouring Sunninghill suburb.

Residents in the area said the squatters had become so daring that at least five cases are reported every week.

Mr Thomas Msipa, a headmaster, alleged that the squatters had stolen his chickens so fgrequently that he decided to stop rearing them.

“I can’t grow vegetables either. They have been plundered in the past,” said Mr Msipa.

A prominent businessman, Mr Ted Shultz, said his home had been broken into three times and food, kitchen utensils and water were stolen. As a result, he had hired a security guard to protect his premises.

The squatters allegedly attacked a house-owner in a bid to steal food from the house.

Mrs Sheila Msimanga said she had put a wall after her home had been broken into and a wheelbarrow and her son’s bicycle were stolen.

A man who is building a house in the suburb who refused to be named said his building materials had been stolen.

Mr Bharat Ranchod, who owns Gees Vegetable and Fruit Shop in Bulawayo said the squatters had stolen farming equipment, shades, vegetables and his watch dogs which they caught by setting up wire snares all over his property.