Opposition activist Linda Masarira has proposed that the controversial Belvedere property, owned by Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, be repurposed into a drug rehabilitation centre.
Masarira, leader of the LEAD political party, wrote this week to retired Justice Maphios Cheda, Chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry into Harare Urban Planning and Governance, presenting her case.
She suggested that, instead of demolishing the property, Mafume’s hostel should be converted into a rehabilitation facility, given the scarcity of such centres in Zimbabwe. Said Masarira:
<blockquote>
I write to you as a concerned citizen and advocate for social justice, urging the commission to consider an alternative resolution regarding Mayor Jacob Mafume’s unauthorised hostel in Belvedere.
While I acknowledge the importance of upholding urban planning regulations, I propose that, rather than demolishing the structure, it be repurposed into a government-supported drug rehabilitation centre to address the growing substance abuse crisis in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe is currently facing a surge in drug and substance abuse, particularly among the youth.
Unfortunately, there are very few rehabilitation centres available, and the existing ones are largely inaccessible to low-income individuals.
</blockquote>
She suggested that instead of demolishing an existing structure, repurposing it as a rehabilitation centre could offer a cost-effective and socially beneficial solution. Wrote Masarira:
<blockquote>
This initiative would align with Zimbabwe’s National Drug Master Plan and international best practices that prioritize rehabilitation over punitive measures.
I respectfully urge the commission to assess the feasibility of this proposal before proceeding with demolition.
</blockquote>
Mafume converted his residential home in Belvedere into a hostel without the proper authorisation. He failed to apply for a “change of use” permit, thereby bypassing council regulations for his commercial venture.
City of Harare inspector David Wadarwa recently testified before the Commission that he would recommend the demolition of the unauthorised renovations on Mafume’s property. He said:
<blockquote>
I will advise the owner of the property to demolish the alterations made to his property and revert to the original approved plan. I will write a letter to my seniors informing them about this.
</blockquote>

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Opposition activist Linda Masarira wants Mayor Jacob Mafume's building to be a drug rehab center instead of demolished. She wrote to the Commission of Inquiry to suggest this. There are few rehab centers in Zimbabwe, especially for poor people. Masarira thinks changing the building is a better idea than destroying it. The city inspector wants the changes on Mafume's property to be torn down. Masarira hopes her proposal will be considered to help with the drug problem in Zimbabwe.

Masarira Proposes Turning Mafume's Belvedere Property Into Drug Rehab Centre

After overseeing the controversial demolition of homes in Belvedere last year, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume now faces the possibility of his own property being demolished.
This follows the revelation that he transformed his residential home in Belvedere into a hostel without the proper authorisation.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/after-ignoring-council-regulations-in-property-renovations-mafumes-belvedere-hostel-now-faces-demolition/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, during a session of the Harare Commission of Inquiry, led by retired Judge Justice Maphios Cheda, City of Harare inspector David Wadarwa testified that he would recommend the demolition of the unauthorised renovations on Mafume’s property.
Mafume previously admitted that he failed to apply for a “change of use” permit, blatantly bypassing council regulations for his commercial venture.
The commission wasted no time in questioning Wadarwa, pressing him for answers about how he approved inspections on a building that didn’t match the submitted plans.
When asked why he signed off on the developments despite discrepancies, Wadarwa claimed that it was routine for him to approve changes and then recommend alterations later.
However, under intense scrutiny from lead evidence officer Tapiwa Fresh Godzi, Wadarwa hesitated, stammering “It was an error on my part, Sir” — a statement he repeated six times.
Justice Cheda, clearly unimpressed, pointed out that each error had been carefully signed off, and the matter was raised again and again.
Wadarwa went on to explain that he had been pressured by his superiors to rush through the process, forging dates and signing off on all six approvals in a single day.
The commission pressed him further, asking what steps he would take to rectify his mistakes. He said:
<blockquote>
I will advise the owner of the property to demolish the alterations made to his property and revert to the original approved plan. I will write a letter to my seniors informing them about this.
</blockquote>
Despite admitting to bending the rules, Mafume is holding on to the hope of “regularisation,” hoping to exploit a loophole in the city’s by-laws.
However, his hopes were quickly dashed by Samuel Nyabeza, the Acting Director of Urban Planning at the City of Harare, who made it clear that such a move would not be possible.
Nyabeza expressed serious concerns about the inspection signatures on Mafume’s property plan, calling them highly suspicious due to the unusually frequent inspections.
He also insisted that Mafume must correct his mistake by returning the property to its original residential status, in accordance with the law.
Mafume, who is reportedly out of the country, is expected to return next week to face the commission again.

Harare Mayor Mafume turned his house into a hostel without permission, now it might get knocked down. The city inspectors found problems with the renovations and want it fixed. Mafume admitted he didn't follow the rules, but is trying to find a way around it. The city officials say he needs to change it back to a house as per the law. Mafume will have to come back and deal with the situation soon.

Harare Mayor Mafume’s Belvedere Hostel Faces Demolition

The government has announced a ban on the demolition of houses built on illegally acquired land without providing a four-month notice period.
This is meant to give affected property owners enough time to rebuild and ensure they have decent shelter for their families.
The announcement comes in response to the Harare City Council’s plan to demolish over 5,000 houses starting this week.
The council has already issued 48-hour eviction notices to residents whose homes are allegedly built without approval on land designated for public amenities.
The properties targeted include those in Mabelreign, Kuwadzana, Budiriro, Mabvuku, and Glen View.
However, in an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/no-demolition-without-four-months-notice-govt/">The Herald</a> last Friday, on the sidelines of the Institute of Architects of Zimbabwe meeting in Harare, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe criticized the City of Harare’s approach.
He condemned the demolitions, saying that residents should be given adequate notice before such actions are taken. Said Garwe:
<blockquote>
We are human beings, and every human being has a right to shelter. There is a lot of excitement from the City of Harare in terms of wanting to demolish people’s homes, they are playing to the gallery, condemning public officials and the Government that we are just issuing statements because there was the Extraordinary SADC Summit recently.
Yes, we appreciate that those houses were illegally built, people who were not following the laid down procedures, and people built on land set aside for other activities social amenities, schools and railway lines; we are aware of that as Government.
Give these people adequate notice to vacate those areas so that they can then come and demolish, while these people are properly settled elsewhere.
Give them three or four months’ notice; but they were giving them four days, five days. Who can build a house in four days in Zimbabwe, and then move to where it is built?
</blockquote>
Garwe, however, urged citizens to refrain from purchasing land from land barons, saying such transactions could lead to criminal charges for both buyers and sellers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government has made a rule that houses cannot be destroyed without giving a four-month warning. This is so people have enough time to find another place to live. The Harare City Council planned to destroy over 5,000 homes, but the government wants to stop them. The government thinks people should have more time to find a new home before their house is destroyed. Minister Garwe says people should not buy land from the wrong people because it is illegal and they could get in trouble. It is important for people to have a good home to live in.

Government Bans House Demolitions Without Four-Month Notice

Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume has said the council is working with the government to enforce demolition court orders in an orderly manner, to protect residents who may have fallen victim to land barons.
Last week, the government condemned the destruction of 30 houses in Ridgeview, Belvedere, by the Harare City Council, describing the action as inhumane.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200035158/we-are-protecting-victims-from-land-barons-mayor">NewsDay</a> on Monday, Mafume said that the council has reported land barons who illegally sold land to residents to the police and is now awaiting their arrest. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
We are working with government on the court orders. Demolitions should be done in an orderly manner but at the same time we are saying people should be compliant with the country’s laws.
We have people who have built houses where children are supposed to play. If we create a city like that, our children will not be happy.
We have reported the land barons to police and we are waiting for their arrest. Yes, if there are those who get to be regularised, they should be cleared.
</blockquote>
Reports indicate that there are 144 applicants slated for regularisation based on recent council resolutions.
One notable project, Tafara Pay Schemes, led by Everson Luni, has adhered to council by-laws for town planning.
This compliance includes the payment of application fees, circulation fees, ZESA charges, surveying fees, and costs associated with the Environmental Management Agency and sewerage services.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Mayor of Harare is working with the government to enforce court orders for demolishing illegal structures in an orderly way. He wants to protect residents from bad people who sold them land illegally. The government was upset about 30 houses being destroyed by the council. The mayor reported the bad people to the police and is waiting for them to be arrested. Some people might be allowed to keep their homes if they follow the laws. A project in Tafara Pay Schemes showed good behavior by following all the rules and paying all the necessary fees.

Harare Mayor Pledges Orderly Enforcement Of Demolition Court Orders

The Information for Development Trust (IDT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in corporate and political governance, has expressed concerns about the central government’s interference in the Harare City Council’s (HCC) efforts to demolish illegal structures. They argue that this interference poses a threat to the rule of law.
The controversy arose after Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe announced that the government had ordered HCC to halt the demolition of homes built on illegally acquired land.
In a statement, IDT suggested that the central government’s intervention appears to be motivated more by image management than by a commitment to good governance. It added:
<blockquote>
Critics argue this undermines local authority efforts, perpetuates illegal settlements, and fails to hold land barons accountable.
The interference raises questions about the separation of powers, as political considerations override judicial rulings.
The opposition-led HCC faces persistent challenges from the ruling government, weakening public trust and service delivery.
While ensuring humane demolitions is essential, undermining the law risks creating a culture of impunity.
The government must address root causes like poverty, corruption, and housing shortages while respecting judicial independence and local authority autonomy.
Failure to strike this balance threatens governance and the rule of law in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume recently announced that the city council plans to demolish over 5,000 illegal structures, having obtained 37 High Court orders to support the action.
The demolitions are part of an ongoing effort to address illegal constructions that have proliferated across the capital.
However, the decision to halt the demolitions for the time being has raised questions. Speaking at his ministry’s strategic workshop for 2025 in Bulawayo on Thursday, Minister Garwe said that the pause was made to avoid negative publicity as Zimbabwe prepares to host the Southern African Development Community (SADC) extraordinary summit this week.
Garwe also accused the opposition CCC-led Harare City Council of deliberately timing the demolitions to coincide with the summit.
He suggested that the council’s actions were intended to attract unwanted attention, undermining the country’s image on the international stage during such an important event.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government is telling Harare not to knock down homes built in wrong places. A group thinks this is bad for rule of law. The government also stopped the demolition to look good for a big meeting. People are worried this is not fair. The city council wants to knock down lots of illegal buildings. They have permission from the courts. Some think the government is stopping them to avoid bad press. People say the government should fix poverty and corruption instead of stopping the law. This could make a bad impact on how the country is run.

"Government Interference In Harare Demolitions Threatens Rule Of Law"

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe inadvertently revealed the true reason behind the order to halt the opposition-controlled Harare City Council’s demolition of homes built on illegally acquired land.
During his ministry’s strategic workshop for 2025 in Bulawayo on Thursday, Garwe said that the decision to stop the demolitions was intended to prevent negative publicity as the country prepares for the SADC extraordinary summit this week.
Garwe further accused the opposition CCC-led Harare City Council of timing the demolitions to coincide with the summit, which will be attended by regional leaders, in an attempt to attract unwanted attention. He said (via <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/6-month-old-baby-plunges-to-death-in-bucket-of-hot-water/">ZimLive</a>):
<blockquote>
We are all aware of what has been happening in Harare and Karoi were the two councils went on a demolition drive knowing fully well that starting this weekend, we have visitors.
There are about seven heads of states coming to Victoria Falls for the World Children’s Day commemorations, followed by the SADC Troika and they decided to demolish people’s homes.
They waited for six months for people to build those houses for them to realise that the houses were illegally built. So, we put a stop to that.
</blockquote>
Garwe said the ZANU PF-ledt government was not promoting illegal settlements but said councils must follow the law before carrying demolitions on people’s homes. He said:
<blockquote>
We are not promoting illegal settlements but we are saying there are certain process and procedures that must be followed by authorities before demolishing people’s homes.
If you are to give notice period give them adequate notice period you, cannot give a person to say in five days, I will come and demolish.
It is inhumane, it is not acceptable and as central government, we have said no to demolitions.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Minister Garwe said stopping the demolitions in Harare was to avoid bad publicity during the SADC summit. He accused the opposition of timing the demolitions to coincide with the summit to get attention. The government is against illegal settlements but says authorities must follow the law before demolishing homes. They should give people enough notice before demolishing their homes. The Minister said it is not right to demolish people's homes in a rush. The government wants to stop such demolitions.

Minister Garwe Claims Harare Demolitions Were Timed To  Draw Negative Attention During SADC Summit

The government has ordered the Harare City Council to stop its controversial house demolition exercise.
This came after a public outcry over the recent demolition of houses in Belvedere, which the City of Harare claims were built on land illegally acquired from land barons.
The council had initially planned to demolish over 5,000 houses in illegal settlements across the city, citing the need to enforce around 37 High Court orders.
The targeted properties, mostly located in high-density suburbs such as Kuwadzana, Budiriro, Glen View, and Mabvuku, were said to be built on land reserved for public amenities.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200035136/govt-stops-harare-demolitions">NewsDay</a>, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe condemned the council’s actions, describing them as “inhumane.” Said Garwe:
<blockquote>
What City Council is doing is inhumane and it is not acceptable. A person takes six months to build a house and you are watching.
Then you want to come and give them a notice of 7 days to come and demolish the house. You give them a notice to relocate, where can they relocate in that short period?
At least they should give them four or five months so that they can build elsewhere.
Yes, Mafume [Harare major Jacob] has a court order, but it does not give him the right to cause people pain and suffering.
From now on, no house will be demolished. We are stopping them from doing so. That’s the government’s position.
</blockquote>
Mafume confirmed the suspension of the demolitions, saying the council would comply with the Local Government Ministry’s order to pause the enforcement of the law for the time being.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government told the Harare City Council to stop destroying houses. People got very upset about houses being demolished in Belvedere. The council planned to destroy over 5,000 illegal houses, but the government said no. The houses were built on land meant for public use. The Minister said it was not fair to kick people out of their homes with only 7 days' notice. Now, the council has to stop demolishing houses for now.

Government Orders Harare City Council To Stop Demolitions

<h2>The City of Harare on Wednesday, November 13, issued a statement on the recent demolition of 30 houses in Ridgeview, Belvedere.</h2>
<h2>The local authority said it has taken action to stop illegal land allocation by land barons in Belvedere, specifically in Ridgeview, where unauthorized developments were taking place. Below is the statement:</h2>
<blockquote>
Belvedere Demolitions: The Facts
The City of Harare is determined to stop land barons from illegally parcelling out land to unsuspecting residents and this criminality has to be stopped. It is important that we protect residents from criminals who falsify documents and sell the land to innocent victims. In the case of the Belvedere demolitions here are the facts below.
i. The land in question is Ridgeview Belvedere described as remainder of Salisbury Township Lands(STL) Plan Number TP2F/2219/3 which was approved in 2002.
ii. This land is legally owned by the City of Harare and is designated for residential purposes. This piece of Council land has fifty-two (52) unserviced residential stands. The valuation of the stands was done and approved by Council in 2021. Before Council could allocate the stands, the land was invaded by individuals led by a company going by the name Brickstone Builders and Contractors Private Limited. At that material time they erected wooden cabins on 15 stands.
iii. The stands do not have the requisite water, sewer, roads and storm water drains which are required before one can settle on land.
iv. In 2022 meetings chaired by His Worship, Mayor of the City of Harare Clr.J. Mafume were held between Council and representatives of Brickstone Builders and Contractors (Pvt) Ltd. During the meetings, Council informed the illegal invaders to follow due process in acquiring Council land.
v. Contrary to the advice given during the meetings, Council noticed that developments had started on the ground in July 2023. The illegal developments paused a health hazard to the neighboring community.
vi. The illegal developments sparked an outrage from the neighboring community.
vii. Council responded to the illegal developments by instituting demolitions during that month. Brickstone Building and Contractors Private Limited took Council to court indicating that the company had been allocated the land by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. They attached the letter from the Ministry signed by a Mr. Madzivire. On inquiry from the Ministry, Council was advised by the Ministry that the letter was fake and Mr. Madzivire distanced himself from authoring that letter. The Chief Director Spatial Planning Mr. Mushamba also distanced the Ministry from the allocation of council land to Brickstone.
viii. The City of Harare issued 48 hour notices to the occupants to stop developments and in response to the notices, Brickstone Building and Contractors Private Limited, using fraudulent documents, approached the Court and were granted an interdict on the basis of the fake documents.
ix. The interdict was granted on condition that the status quo was to remain and that no further developments were to be undertaken by the illegal invaders.
x. The illegal invaders did not take heed of the interdict and proceeded to construct structures on the piece land without approved architectural building plans as well as the attendant mandatory inspections.
xi. In compliance with the relevant terms of the interdict, the City moved in to demolish those structures that were developed after the issuance of the interdict. The structures that were covered by the interdict were left intact.
xii. Thirty (30) illegal structures at various stages of construction were demolished.
xiii. The City of Harare has since approached the Courts for a court order to demolish the 3 that were covered by the interdict.
The City of Harare remains committed to addressing urban challenges and ensuring the well-being of its residents. The demolitions will also dissuade land barons who have remained undeterred and continue selling stands to desperate home seekers.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The City of Harare demolished 30 houses in Belvedere to stop illegal land allocation. The land belongs to the city and was invaded by a company called Brickstone Builders. The company used fake documents to claim the land. The city gave notices to stop development, but the company continued. The city then demolished the illegal structures. The city is committed to protecting residents and stopping land barons from selling land illegally. They are also seeking a court order to demolish the remaining illegal structures.

Harare City Council Clarifies Position On Belvedere House Demolitions | Full Statement

The government has distanced itself from the recent demolitions of houses in Ridgeview, Belvedere, and has ordered the Harare City Council to cease further destruction.
Last week, the City of Harare demolished nearly 20 houses in Ridgeview, claiming they were built on land illegally acquired from land barons.
The council also announced that the demolition blitz would soon extend to other areas in the capital where similar illegal structures were identified.
However, in an interview with ZBC News on Tuesday, Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe said that the government was not involved in the demolitions.
He said the council had acted without consulting the parent ministry and had proceeded with the demolitions independently.
The minister also issued a directive for the council to halt any further demolitions until proper consultations were held. He said:
<blockquote>
We condemn that action, and yesterday we directed the mayor and town clerk to stop the demolitions. We distance ourselves from, and the central government distances itself from such behaviour. We have nothing to do with that.
</blockquote>
However, Garwe said that while citizens have a fundamental right to housing, this right mustn’t be exploited through the establishment of illegal settlements. He said:
<blockquote>
The new dispensation values all citizens and respects the constitution, which says housing is a fundamental right.
People have the right to housing, but that said, we must not take the law into our own hands and say, I can build a house wherever I want.
The law will still visit you. We do not want to take advantage of certain developments, and people must not start building recklessly.
</blockquote>
The demolitions have ignited a heated debate among residents. Some blame illegal settlers for purchasing land from land barons, arguing that they should have known better.
Others, however, point to Harare’s severe housing shortages as a significant factor driving the increase in illegal construction.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government did not want houses in Harare to be destroyed. The City of Harare knocked down houses last week because they were built on land that was not allowed. The government said they did not know about this and told the council to stop destroying more houses. The government believes everyone has the right to a home, but they should not break the law to build one. Some people blame those who bought land in the wrong way, but others say there are not enough houses in Harare, so people build illegally.

Government Distances Itself From Harare House Demolitions

The City of Harare carried out demolitions of dozens of houses in the Ridgeview area of Belvedere on Thursday, November 7, claiming the structures were built with fraudulent documentation.
In a statement, the City of Harare explained that the illegal buildings had been torn down once before, last year.
However, the occupants, encouraged by land barons who had sold them the land, ignored the council’s orders and rebuilt the structures.
The council said that prior warnings had been issued to the illegal settlers, instructing them to vacate the area before the demolitions took place.
Samuel Nyabeza, the acting director of planning, confirmed that the city is intensifying efforts to remove illegal settlements.
He also issued a stern warning to land barons, stating that they will be arrested without hesitation or favouritism. Said Nyabeza:
<blockquote>
We have to restore order in the city and we will not tolerate a situation where people just build houses without approvals and permission from council. A settlement has to be planned with all amenities in place before people start building.
You cannot build a house without council-approved plans; you cannot build where there are no sewer and water facilities. We urge residents to check with the City of Harare before buying land. Even when building a structure, every stage should have council approvals.
</blockquote>
The City of Harare said the land barons who sold land to unsuspecting residents in Belvedere have been arrested before and are out on bail.
In the meantime, the council has vowed to expand its demolition efforts across various parts of the city, making it clear that it will not tolerate any form of land invasion.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The city of Harare destroyed many houses in Belvedere because they were built without permission. The council had warned the people to leave before demolishing the houses. Land barons sold the illegal land. The city plans to remove more illegal settlements. Residents should get approval before building. Land barons have been arrested in the past. The council will continue demolishing illegal houses to stop land invasion.

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