Arcturus, Zimbabwe - Zimbabwe's controversial land reform programme appeared yesterday to be heading towards anarchy as more white-owned land was invaded by black villagers and some farmers came under siege.
While such invasions in past months have been peaceful, one farmer yesterday claimed that several of his workers were beaten up and temporarily abducted by people who have surrounded his property for the past two weeks.
A two-week standoff between the Arcturus farmer and people wanting his land came as the commercial farmers' leader stood down, saying talks with President Robert Mugabe's government had reached an impasse.