Streak family tells of gun-wielding raid on Zimbabwe farm

Heath Streak and his family have been talking about their experiences at the hands of gun-wielding war veterans in Zimbabwe on Tuesday. The veterans, who broke through the farm gates in their lorry, invaded the farm at Turk Mine, 40 miles north of Bulawayo in an attempt to seize the land.

Heath's father, Denis, was at home with his wife and 71 year-old mother. He went out to speak to the veterans in an attempt to pacify them, while neighbours called Heath and the police. There is considerable tension in the area following the murder of Gloria Olds, a family friend of the Streaks and a fellow farmer, a few days ago, and several invasions on other farms.

Speaking to The Times (London), Winnona, Heath's grandmother said: "Heath came running through the bush to join his father. He was wearing our green Zimbabwe cricket shirt and when the veterans saw him their mood changed. One minute they are telling us they are going to take our farm and kill us and the next minute they are wanting to shake Heath's hand. They knew who we were, and how we are all big supporters of the opposition MDC party but I think they were surprised to find Heath standing there."

However, when the police arrived, the veterans held them up at gunpoint and ridiculed an inspector by forcing him to remove his trousers and dance for them.

Heath Streak issued a defiant statement refuting the idea that his family would leave the farm, or that the incident would affect his involvement in it. "I love it here and no one is going to run me off. I am the fourth generation on this land and when I'm not playing cricket this is where I want to be. It's a great honour for me to lead my country. We've just won our first Test abroad and this is a terrific team so I'm passionate about being part of it, for as long as they let me."

"At first I was worried about our safety after what happened to Gloria Olds. We just can't take any chances right now and everyone is very jumpy."

The story spread throughout the world yesterday, with some reports suggesting that the veterans may have abducted either Heath or Denis Streak. However, the intervention of Heath Streak seems to have appeased the veterans on this occasion.