Hundreds of newly-resettled farmers in the Mateke Hills Ranch in Mwenezi face eviction following a controversial deal struck between the masvingo provincial land committee and Russel Collins, a South African, to turn the ranch into a conservancy. The deal, sealed in unclear circumstances, would see over 200 resettled farmers being removed from the area to pave the way for Collins and a few hand-picked political heavyweights to convert the ranch into an animal sanctuary. Josaya Hungwe, Masvingo's Governor, chairs the provincial land committee. The deal sparked an outcry from both black and white farmers. Under the arrangement Collins will take part of the area and convert it into a sanctuary while other portions of land would be allocated to a few politicians to enter into the lucrative wildlife business. A number of civil servants, including members of the CIO, also face eviction.