Analysis: Zimbabwe's waiting game

Robert Mugabe in Cuba: "Peaceful demonstrations"

By Joseph Winter in Harare

The occupation of white-owned farms in Zimbabwe has taken two more twists.

First, the High Court upheld an earlier judgement that the police must evict the squatters.

Violence against farm workers continues

Second, the country's Vice-President, Joseph Msika, said the "demonstrations" were no longer necessary because the government was now taking action to redistribute land.

On the face of it, these are two setbacks for the war veterans and other government supporters occupying the white-owned farms.

In reality, the picture has just become even more confused.

Reliable sources say that the government was planning to appeal against the High Court ruling in order to buy some more time.

However just hours later, without mentioning the judgement, Zimbabwe's vice-president appeared to ask the squatters to leave.

Chenjerai Hunzvi: "The High Court can go to hell"

With Robert Mugabe currently in Cuba, Joseph Msika is the acting president, but it remains to be seen what effect his words have on the ground.

Zimbabwe is very much run by Mr Mugabe, and even government supporters may wait for him to issue an order before obeying it.

A month ago the home affairs minister said that the police would take action, but Mr Mugabe immediately contradicted him.

Another twist is the reaction of Chenjerai Hunzvi, leader of the war veterans.

He told the BBC: "The High Court can go to hell."

He's currently on bail awaiting four charges, and legal sources say that this response undoubtedly constitutes contempt of court.

Again, Zimbabweans are waiting to see what action, if any, is taken by the authorities.