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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>

Pindula News

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"

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.

Harare City Council Demolishes Dozens Of Houses In Belvedere

Seventeen (17) houses in the Cowdray Park suburb in Bulawayo are set to be demolished to make way for the construction of a proposed stormwater drain.
The City of Bulawayo said the drain will alleviate perennial flooding in the area.
In its latest council report, the local authority said that the City Director of Engineering Services, Sikhumbuzo Ncube, said affected homeowners will be relocated. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
The Council of 1st of June 2022 resolved that Beneficiaries of stand numbers 18666, 18667, 18668, 18712, 18853, 18852, 20143, 20144, 20145, 20113 20074, 20060, 20061, 20062, 20063, 19837 and 19807 to be relocated to allow for the construction of the proposed stormwater drainage that would help alleviate flooding in the area.
</blockquote>
Urban flooding is a major challenge in Zimbabwe which poses unique challenges in densely populated areas.
Even small rainfall amounts of rain cause flooding as rainwater has nowhere to go because urban areas are covered with impervious surfaces like roads, parking lots, and buildings. These surfaces prevent water from infiltrating the ground.
Construction of homes in areas prone to flooding, such as wetlands and floodplains, has exacerbated the problem.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

17 Houses To Be Demolished In Cowdray Park

The demolitions of poor people’s homes and other structures across the country to deal with illegal occupations of State land are mainly driven by three factors: politics, power and money.
<a href="https://thenewshawks.com/reasons-for-mnangagwas-ruthless-house-demolitions/">The NewsHawks</a> cited sources as saying President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi are using power and politics to create a new land market where money would be the main determinant of land occupations and settlements. One unnamed government official was quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
The minister has made it clear to us in government what’s going on here. The land belongs to the President, which means he uses his power for its spatial distribution and his politics of patronage and loyalty influence the dynamics of it.
But in the end, money will take centre stage and the land will now be sold at market rates, creating a new land market which is driven by power and politics. It’s a symbiotic relationship.
Since the beginning of February this year, authorities have demolished houses and settlements built on land acquired illegally in peri-urban communities including, for example, Gutu and Mushandike in Masvingo province, Chipinge in Manicaland, Dema and Goromonzi in Mashonaland East and different other places.
The illegal settlers bought the land from village heads and land barons linked to ZANU PF.
</blockquote>
The NewsHawks reported a source as saying it is also the government’s intention to sell the land after demolitions to create a new market in which ordinary people pay fair value for land even though Mnangagwa and other ZANU PF leaders got land for free. Said source:
<blockquote>
To be sure, the demolition of informal houses and structures is not a new phenomenon in Zimbabwe and elsewhere. 
What is new is some of the political actors, policy approach, frequency and intensity, as well as the motives and visibility which do vary.
What is new is the intensity, frequency, and agency (visibility and changing dynamics of its triggers and mechanisms of its unfolding in specific contexts).
There are three objectives of the demolitions: politics, power and money. These are the real underlying motives.
From the top, that is the Office of the President and Cabinet down to the minister’s office and government officials’ positions, they are all aware of the agenda.
The President and the Minister of Justice know very well what this is all about. It’s an elite project being driven by those who own land and houses which mostly they didn’t even buy in the first place. It’s hypocrisy of the worst order.
Of course, the rule of law must apply whenever there are illegal activities and criminality, but it must be applied even-handedly not just to the poor and vulnerable as the situation shows at the moment.
</blockquote>
In 2005, the ZANU PF-led government launched “Operation Murambatsvina” (Clear Filth) which resulted in mass evictions of urban dwellers from housing structures and the closure of various informal sector businesses throughout the country.
According to the United Nations, 700 000 people were forcibly evicted from their homes, made homeless or lost their source of livelihood.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa's House Demolitions Mainly Driven By Politics, Power And Money | Report

Two village heads from Nyamandlovu appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Maxwell Ncube on Friday, 23 February facing a charge of unlawfully allocating 38 stands to home seekers.
As reported by the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200023533/village-heads-up-for-selling-state-land">Southern Eye</a>, the accused are Chikombingo Moses Nyamande (84) and village development committee member Danisa Nyathi (59).
They were not asked to plead before being remanded to 21 March for trial.
Nyathi and Nyamande are resettled farmers on gazetted State land.
It is the State’s case that since 21 January 2023, Nyamande and Nyathi have allocated stands to 38 villagers without State authority.
The villagers allegedly moved onto the land and built structures.
On 22 January this year, police received a tip-off that the duo were illegally parcelling out State land and visited the area where they discovered that 38 illegal settlers had already built housing structures.
The accused failed to produce documentation authorising the settlers to occupy the land in question leading to their arrest.
Police recently launched “Operation Order No To Land Barons” targetting people accused of being irregularly settled on State land.
This has resulted in the arrest of hundreds of villagers across the country.
Four village heads from Dema in Mashonaland East Province were convicted after appearing in court for selling stands in undesignated places and pocketing the proceeds.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Village Heads In Court For Selling State Land

Sixty-six (66) villagers from Masvingo Province who were arraigned before the Masvingo Magistrates Court for illegally occupying state land without authority have been acquitted.
The rural dwellers occupied the land more than two decades ago at the height of the fast-track land resettlement programme.
The villagers were accused of occupying part of Great Zimbabwe University in Masvingo province, which is deemed to be state land.
The villagers, who were represented by Frank Chirairo of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), were acquitted by Masvingo Provincial Magistrate Farai Gwitima.
Gwitima ruled that prosecutors had failed to prove the existence of a government gazette entitling the government to ownership of the pieces of the land allegedly occupied by the villagers. A statement issued by the ZLHR on Thursday, 22 February, on the matter reads:
<blockquote>
We have ended the persecution of 66 villagers in Masvingo province, who were on trial for illegally occupying state land without authority, by getting them acquitted at the close of the prosecution case.
The 66 villagers had been on trial at Masvingo Magistrates Court after they were arrested on 22 January by [the Police] and charged with occupying gazetted land without lawful authority as defined in section 3(1) of the Gazetted Land (Consequential Provisions) Act.
During the trial, prosecutors alleged that the 66 villagers, who include some aged over 70 years, unlawfully held, used or occupied part of Great Zimbabwe University in Masvingo province, which is deemed to be state land.
The prosecutors, who stated that the complainant in the matter was Charity Mumera, the Deputy Director in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, claimed that the villagers illegally occupied pieces of state land from 2000 to date in contravention of section 3(1) of the Gazetted Land (Consequential Provisions) Act.
But the 66 villagers were on Thursday found not guilty and acquitted at the close of the prosecution case by Masvingo Provincial Magistrate Farai Gwitima, who ruled that prosecutors had failed to prove the existence of a government gazette entitling government to ownership of the pieces of the land allegedly occupied by the rural dwellers, which is an essential element of the alleged offence.
The 66 villagers, who were out of prison custody on bail, were represented by Frank Chirairo of [the ZLHR].
They had initially been charged for settling within a prohibited dam basin as defined in section 56(20) of the Water Act, wherein prosecutors alleged that they had unlawfully held, used or occupied Lake Mutirikwi basin, which is a prohibited dam basin.
The charges were later amended to contravening section 3(1) of the Gazetted Land (Consequential Provisions) Act.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Sixty-six "Illegal Settlers" Acquitted By A Masvingo Magistrate

Villagers in Matabeleland South Province have complained of being mistreated by the police following their arrest for alleged illegal occupation of State land.
The villagers were victims of the Government’s infamous blitz to evict “illegal” settlers from State land amid accusations the exercise was not meant to restore order but to benefit a connected and powerful few.
Critics say the evictions mirror those conducted on locals by white settlers when they seized land from blacks and parcelled it among themselves over a century ago.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200023341/horror-show-evicted-villagers-speak">NewsDay</a>, Elizabeth Ndlovu (91), from Nyandeni village, said they were detained at a police camp overnight and denied access to food and water. She said:
<blockquote>
I am not feeling well, I am staying with my grandchildren who are taking care of me through proceeds from artisanal mining.
We were bundled into a police truck to Gwanda Police Station last week, where I slept on an empty stomach.
We appeared in court the following day, and we were remanded out of custody until February 23.
We were called again for a meeting here at Nyandeni business centre by the police, we arrived at 8 AM and the police came in the afternoon.
ZANU PF Nyandeni district chairperson Bongani Mlilo said they had occupied the land since 1998.
</blockquote>
He said it was worrisome that he was being treated like a second-class citizen in his country of birth.
Mlilo accused the police of disrespect after the cops reportedly used food aid as a bait before arresting them. He said:
<blockquote>
People came in numbers following the announcement that there was a food distribution exercise.
We were, however, told that we were under arrest for being illegal settlers.
We have been paying taxes since 1998 for our land that we are occupying since then until 2016.
We were told to stop paying taxes with the hope that our stay was going to be regularised by the lands officer in Gwanda, but to our surprise, he resurfaced last week after having disappeared for several years.
He came with the police to arrest us because we have been deemed to be squatters on our own land.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is now being surrounded by the wrong people who are advising him wrong things.
We are not happy with this eviction exercise. It is a way of destroying the party (ZANU PF)…
We have written several letters petitioning the lands office to regularise our stay because we want peace, our parents are now old.
We are the ones who are now taking care of them by utilising these pieces of land to be productive.
We supply Gwanda town with vegetables and meat. Our children are at schools here, once we move out, all these schools will be closed.
</blockquote>
Female victims who spoke to NewsDay narrated how those in the menstrual period suffered while in police cells. One of the victims said:
<blockquote>
It was as if we were in hell. We did not have sanitary pads and one of the villagers received a message that her child had been raped after she was left alone at home.
Another one who runs a poultry project nearly lost more than 500 chickens because there was no one taking care of them since she was in custody.
There are some who have chronic diseases, but ended up defaulting treatment because they had left their daily dosages at home.
We had several ECD [early childhood development] children who failed to go to school during the period as they were also detained.
I had to seek the services of a lawyer to intervene in their situation.
</blockquote>
The victims’ lawyer Mitchel Chigova of TJ Mabhikwa and Partners Law Firm said some of the arrested villagers were not homeowners while others had some paperwork. Said Chigova:
<blockquote>
The matter is not yet before any specific magistrate. The State proceeded by way of summons as the State papers were not in order.
Villagers were called to meetings in their various villages and on arrival, they were loaded onto police trucks and taken to the station.
Some of those arrested were not homeowners, while others have some paperwork (albeit insufficient).
Villagers were summoned back to court on February 23, 26 to 29. Due to the large number of accused persons, there was a need to reduce the number coming to court on any day.
For instance, those arrested from Nyandeni were 180. Managing such a large number at once is challenging.
</blockquote>
The lawyer said the affected villagers were from Insindi and Sherborne Farm in West Nicholson.
In Masvingo Province, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) intervened and stopped the eviction of villagers last week.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Evicted Villagers Allege Inhumane Treatment By Police

The Government has said the ongoing “No To Land Barons and Illegal Settlements on Land” operation is targetting land barons and not aimed at punishing citizens, reported <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/operation-on-land-barons-not-meant-to-punish-citizens/">The Herald</a>.
The Government also condemned what it considers attempts to tarnish its image by those “bent on inciting hatred and despondency”, through circulating videos of burning houses that are allegedly from as far back as 2018.
This was revealed in a joint statement released last night by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Anxious Masuka, Local Government and Public Works Minister Winston Chitando, Acting Minister for Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Ziyambi Ziyambi and National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Daniel Garwe.
The ministers said in terms of the Land Commission Act and the gazetted Land (Consequential Provisions) Act, it is illegal to occupy rural State land without lawful authority in the form of an offer letter, permit or lease.
They added that it is also illegal for any person who is not authorised by central or local government to sell, lease or offer a lease with an option to purchase State land or council land. Reads part of the statement:
<blockquote>
Government’s position has been consistently clear that there has to be an orderly and legal settlement on the land.
However, it has been noted with concern that there are people who are settling themselves illegally on urban land as well as rural agricultural State land and others who are illegally selling the same.
</blockquote>
The Ministers stated that the operation was not intended “to punish or remove citizens from their homesteads as is being depicted but to restore order in the allocation and management of State land”. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
We have noted with concern the attempts to tarnish the Government by those bent on inciting hatred and despondency.
For the avoidance of doubt, the video circulating of burning houses is from an incident in 2018 and is not related to the current operation. This incident was investigated and corrective action was taken.
Apart from this and on similar lines, we are aware of other videos circulating on social media which, again, are intentionally calculated to discredit the current operation to restore order in the allocation and management of State land. Some of the videos are even from beyond the borders of Zimbabwe.
Government is committed to ensuring that all its citizens are settled in an orderly manner on allocated land.
In that regard, members of the public are advised to report any suspected cases of land barons and illegal settlements to ZRP hotline telephone numbers 0242 771874 and WhatsApp 0712 800 197 or the nearest Lands Office.
</blockquote>
Last week the Masvingo Centre for Research, Advocacy and Development (MACRAD) Trust urged the Government to stop the ongoing summary removal of people accused of being irregularly settled on State land in the Province and instead, to prioritise the well-being of its citizens and provide sustainable solutions for those affected.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Says Operation “No To Land Barons And Illegal Settlements On Land” Not Meant To Punish Citizens

Members of Parliament on Tuesday pleaded with the Government to show empathy towards illegal settlers who are facing evictions, arrests and the destruction of their homes countrywide.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mps-plead-with-govt-to-treat-illegal-settlers-with-empathy-as-evictions-intensify/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, the lawmakers argued that though the Government was enforcing the law, the timing was wrong as the country is battling a cholera outbreak and in the middle of the rainy season.
Midlands Proportional Representative MP Tsitsi Zhou (ZANU PF) said the illegal allocation of land dates back to 2004. She said:
<blockquote>
Some evictions are ongoing countrywide and people are being arrested and taken to courts because they are settled illegally in resettlement and communal areas.
The government had taken a position to first identify land to allocate the illegal settlers in communal, resettlement and urban areas.
We need to appreciate the population growth and the government should treat illegal settlers the same way, whether they are in urban or communal areas with empathy to achieve the desired results.
</blockquote>
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, asked the MP to clarify whether she was condemning the Executive for implementing the law or not. Said Mudenda:
<blockquote>
The Executive is administering the law. What is the problem? You are condemning how the evictions are taking place?
</blockquote>
However, Zhou said it was how the process was being done that needed to be revisited. She said:
<blockquote>
I would like to believe that people have a right to shelter. There has been population growth since the Land Reform Programme and rural-to-urban migration.
Whilst we appreciate this, people are being resettled illegally. They are allocating land to each other through the village heads, councillors and all.
</blockquote>
Mudenda concurred with Zhou that the matter could be of national interest but requested her to ask the question to the relevant minister (Anxious Masuka) during the Q and A session. He said:
<blockquote>
Well, that may be a matter of national interest. I think you need to ask the question tomorrow. That will suggest what you are observing.
There is no way you can stop the Executive from evicting people who have illegally settled themselves.
</blockquote>
Maxwell Mavhunga (CCC) told Parliament that the timing of the evictions and not the enforcement of the law was wrong. He said:
<blockquote>
The enforcement is not the issue but the timing of the enforcement. It is during the rainy season and people have nowhere to go.
We are in a pandemic where there is cholera and people are being displaced at this particular time.
We have people on farms who are being evicted when they have planted their crops and they are told to leave within seven days.
</blockquote>
According to human rights lawyers, hundreds of villagers across the country have been evicted from their ancestral land by the Government for allegedly occupying gazetted land without lawful authority.
Some of the villagers have been in occupation of their land for more than 40 years and made tremendous improvements to their land.
Critics have dubbed the ongoing evictions “Murambatsvina 2” alluding to Operation Murambatsvina which was a large-scale, slum clearance operation in urban areas which was conducted in 2005.
An estimated 700 000 people lost their homes and/or livelihoods, with a further 2.4 million people indirectly affected. An estimated 92 460 homes were destroyed during the blitz.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

MPs Criticise Evictions, Arrests Of Illegal Settlers

Self-exiled former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Walter Mzembi, has suggested that ZANU PF has been hijacked by imperialists and neoliberals who are now forcing rural people off State land.
Mzembi said the ruling party would not evict landless people even if they occupied State land illegally and would instead, regularise the irregular settlements as happened with the Fast-track Land Resettlement Programme around the year 2000.
He made the comments in response to the Government’s ongoing “No To Land Barons and Illegal Settlements on Land” operation which has resulted in more than 3 700 arrests countrywide.
Posting on X, Mzembi said the law can easily be amended to align with the situation on the ground, adding that nothing stops President Emmerson Mnangagwa from putting the evictions to an end. Said Mzembi:
<blockquote>
ZANU PF will not evict the landless even if they are on State land illegally, unless it has been hijacked by imperialists and neoliberals.
Fast Track Land Reform in itself was an illegality according to the laws of the land of the time.
Law is a product of a political process, so it was made legal by the political objectives of addressing skewed land ownership of the time.
So we have a revolutionary precedent that prevents abuse of the landless in the name of the law.
President Mnangagwa is symbolically what the King is in England except we are a Republic but he can stop this bureaucratic nonsense on instruction.
</blockquote>
According to human rights lawyers, hundreds of villagers across the country have been evicted from their ancestral land by the Government for allegedly occupying gazetted land without lawful authority.
Some of the villagers have been in occupation of their land for more than 40 years and made tremendous improvements to their land.
Critics have dubbed the ongoing evictions “Murambatsvina 2” alluding to Operation Murambatsvina which was a large-scale, slum clearance operation in urban areas which was conducted in 2005.
An estimated 700 000 people lost their homes and/or livelihoods, with a further 2.4 million people indirectly affected. An estimated 92 460 homes were destroyed during the blitz.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"ZANU PF Has Been Hijacked By Imperialists And Neoliberals"

Self-exiled former ZANU PF political commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere, has urged the Government to review the Communal Lands Act so that traditional leaders, councillors and land officers work in sync to prevent the sprouting of illegal settlements across the country.
The former Local Government Minister also said while “it is not an easy task to preside over the demolition of homesteads”, if it is not done, chaos will continue unabated.
Kasukuwere made the remarks after the Government launched operation, “No To Land Barons and Illegal Settlements on Land” which has resulted in the arrest of 3 775 people as of 12 February 2024. He posted on X:
<blockquote>
A holistic review of the Communal Lands Act is now imperative to arrest the chaos we are witnessing.
Unplanned settlements have cropped up everywhere and because of corruption, the situation is truly out of control.
The state should move swiftly to align the land authorities, from the Village Head, Chief, Land Officers, Councillors, the Ministry of Lands and the Ministry of Local Government.
There are a raft of acts that regulate the land and more often than not, they don’t speak to each other hence the chaos.
The then Ministry of Cooperatives, Rural District and Urban authorities all have a responsibility to administer the land.
</blockquote>
Hundreds of villagers are facing eviction from their ancestral lands for allegedly occupying gazetted land without lawful authority.
According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), some of the villagers have been in occupation of their land for more than 40 years and made tremendous improvements to their land.
Kasukuwere called upon the Cabinet to urgently set up a committee to review existing laws and harmonise them. He said:
<blockquote>
I suggest that the Cabinet urgently sets up a committee to review the legal instruments at hand and harmonise them.
Secondly, identify and plan how the affected families can be assisted and resettled legally.
I need not remind you of the need to give appropriate title to citizens to avoid the chaos we are seeing.
The road ahead is littered with huge obstacles for the Ministry and they must communicate effectively for society to appreciate their intentions.
</blockquote>
Kasukuwere, however, did not condemn the demolition of villagers’ homes, a development that is taking place in the middle of the rainy season. He said:
<blockquote>
I feel for the Minister of Local Govt at present because it is not an easy task to preside over the demolition of homesteads and exposing vulnerable children and elders. On the other hand, if it’s not done, the chaos will continue.
Destroying a homestead is a difficult undertaking for any leader. In the absence of a clearly defined process that citizens can follow should they require land, the pain and chaos will be with us for some time to come.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Destroying Homesteads Is Difficult But Must Be Done - Kasukuwere

The City of Gweru has identified more than 60 buildings in the Central Business District (CBD) that need urgent renovations to meet the required standards.
Speaking during a City Council business engagement meeting held recently at the Mayor’s parlour, a Gweru City Council official Tapiwa Marerwa, warned that the local authority will not hesitate to demolish buildings with structural defects. Said Marerwa:
<blockquote>
We have been approached by various stakeholders with complaints that our buildings are in a bad state.
Most of them are generally not being maintained making them inhabitable and not fit to be used.
It is a requirement at law for us as a local authority to make sure that the owners of these buildings have addressed the anomalies.
We have summoned the respective owners of these buildings to take corrective measures but in the case of buildings with structural defects, these will be demolished, there is no going back on that.
</blockquote>
Some of the buildings in the city have collapsing roofs while others have cracks and the paint is peeling off. Added Marerwa:
<blockquote>
While some have cracks, others have paint peeling off and there are a number of buildings that have been abandoned.
Council was in the process of engaging owners of these buildings so that they can address the flagged areas.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://tellzim.com/more-than-60-defect-ridden-buildings-face-demolition-in-gweru/">TellZim News</a>

More Then 60 Buildings Face Demolition In Gweru CBD

Chitungwiza Town Council on Friday destroyed illegal structures in the Chidochevanhu Beerhall compound in Unit N, Seke.
Grocery tuck shops, hair salons, and hardware shops, among others, had been erected within the compound.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200003174/chitown-demolishes-illegal-structures">NewsDay</a>, George Madongwe, a former council employee who leases Chidochevanhu beerhall, said the demolitions were unjustified. He said:
<blockquote>
Council’s actions were not justified and are a gross violation of human rights. No reasons were given for demolitions as there was no official communication from the council. Valuables worth US$50 000 have been lost.
The council was collecting revenue from these structures as late as November 3, 2022, and there are receipts to support that.
Can the council collect revenue from an illegal structure? There were also engagements with the council regarding the structures.
</blockquote>
Chitungwiza Residents Trust director Alice Kuveya also criticised Chitungwiza Municipality for destroying the structures without notice.
However, acting town clerk Evangelista Machona insisted that the structures were illegal. She said:
<blockquote>
Those were illegal structures because council leases do not allow the adjustment of infrastructure without the council’s approval. But this is what was done.
</blockquote>
Madongwe claimed that the necessary procedures were followed before the structures were erected. He said:
<blockquote>
I constructed the structures after notifying the council. I wanted to raise money to pay their exorbitant bills that I couldn’t pay from selling beer alone.
At the same time, I wanted to increase their revenue base as they would collect licence revenues from the shops.
I have enough evidence to debunk the council narrative that I did anything illegal.
I have requests for bill adjustments, payment plans, payments made and proposals for change of use.
I am a former council employee with special circumstances compared to ordinary leaseholders.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trusts (ZNOART) Chitungwiza chairperson Obert Matsika said the local authority should have acted in 2019 when the structures were built.
The municipality also demolished other illegal structures at Chigovanyika Shopping Centre in St Mary’s.

Chitungwiza Municipality Demolishes Illegal Structures

Kwekwe Central legislator, Judith Tobaiwa, has criticised Kwekwe City Council management for resolving to demolish some illegal tuckshops and gas cages.
In a recent notice, the local authority said all illegal tuckshops, including gas cages, must be demolished. The notice read:
<blockquote>
I wish to inform that all illegal tuck-shops and gas cage owners within the City of Kwekwe have to demolish or remove their illegal structures by 29 June 2022.
Failure of which illegal structures will be demolished by council without further notice.
</blockquote>
However, Tobaiwa argued that destroying the structures was not the solution. She urged the council to engage citizens and find alternatives. Said Tobaiwa:
<blockquote>
I have noted with concern a circular from Kwekwe City threatening to demolish what they term illegal tuck-shops and gas cages.
As a lawmaker and an exemplary citizen, I would like to see sanity in our town, but the move by the management is wrong, considering the situation in our country.
The situation would be better resolved by engaging everyone involved and offering alternatives.
I implore our councillors to represent the citizens and make sure the council does the correct thing in the correct way.
The management cannot continue to act like a mad man with a hammer.
The citizens of Kwekwe deserve better and should not continue to suffer because of the incompetence of the regime.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/kwekwe-central-legislator-fumes-over-demolition-of-tuck-shops/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

CCC MP Opposes Kwekwe Council Decision To Demolish Tuckshops

The Government has resolved to move traders to Shawasha grounds to bring order to the streets of Harare.
Addressing journalists in the capital on Tuesday, Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs minister Oliver Chidawu said a contractor has failed to build suitable structures for vendors and the Government will build temporary structures for traders to use until an investor is found. Said Chidawu:
<blockquote>
To this end, we are liaising with the City of Harare to identify new areas where traders can be relocated and have a mutually beneficial working arrangement with the local authority.
We have decided that everyone goes into Shawasha grounds. We are going to build temporary structures there until we get an investor.
We have already cancelled (the contract of) the previous investor who has failed to perform. So it has just been closed all these years.
No one is allowed to go on the streets to sell wares as the streets are designed for cars. People must be where it is designated for them (vendors).
We have not been providing adequate space for them, but now an alternative space has been given which is Shawasha grounds.
</blockquote>
Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution secretary Tafadzwa Muguti ordered traders operating from undesignated sites to remove their wares and approach their local authorities to be allocated proper trading space. Said Muguti:
<blockquote>
We are, therefore, asking for everyone who has been operating illegally at places you know you don’t have papers from the local authority, to remove your wares and materials and approach the local authority so that you can be given somewhere to work from.
Development control is now at full throttle in Harare metropolitan province, including our central business district and we ensure that we build smart cities.
There is a Development Control Act which is under the Urban Council Act, local authorities are mandated to ensure law and order, and if you build your shacks on the land which has not been designated, council will not be liable for your loss because you have gone onto land which you have no ownership lease or title to.
</blockquote>
This comes after the City of Harare, with support from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), at the weekend destroyed illegal vending stalls and tuckshops in Mbare, one of Harare’s oldest suburbs.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/01/govt-shelves-plans-to-build-vending-stalls/">NewsDay</a>

Harare Street Vendors To Be Moved To Shawasha Grounds

The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trusts (ZNOART) said the Government and the Harare City Council (HCC) need to tackle space barons and restore order in Mbare.
This comes after the City of Harare started demolishing illegal structures in Mbare, targeting the Mupedzanhamo Market zone and illegal tuckshops around the bus terminus on Saturday.
Space barons are allegedly selling space to desperate traders in Mbare, with the local authority losing out on millions of dollars in potential revenue.
ZNOART president Shalvar Chikomba said the vendors whose markets have been destroyed are not always the ones to blame as they buy space from space barons. Said Chikomba:
<blockquote>
There is a lot of money being made in Mbare, but it is falling into the wrong hands. The traders whose markets have been destroyed are not always the ones to blame because they buy the space from space barons who pocket the money without remitting a cent to Council or Government to refurbish the area.
There are also some greedy merchants who manipulate processes so as to buy produce from farmers for a song.
Council and Government need to get to the bottom of all this if they are to restore order in Mbare because space barons will continue to illegally sell space to desperate vendors.
</blockquote>
One of the vendors outside Mupedzanhamo, Motion Mabubu, criticised the council for demolishing their structures without warning. He said:
<blockquote>
They should open a new place for us because this place was our source of income. At least if they had told us in advance that they were going to come and demolish our tables we would have removed them nicely ourselves because they are expensive for us to erect.
</blockquote>
Another vendor, Ronald Chita, said vending is their only source of income and they will therefore rebuild the illegal structures at the same place. Said Chita:
<blockquote>
All we want is a place where we can do our business because that is where we get money for our upkeep.
Schools will be opened soon and our children want school fees so the money comes from here.
We have no option but to start re-erecting our tables here because we have nowhere else to go.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/302041-2">The Sunday Mail</a></h4>

Space Barons Blamed For Mbare Rot

The Manyame Rural District Council (RDC) is set to demolish about 17 houses in Murisa Phase 2 built on the banks of Duri stream to create a functional drainage system.
The houses were affected by flash floods in January this year following the heavy rains, leaving families stranded and property destroyed.
Duri borders Manyame and Chitungwiza and the houses belong to people who were issued stands through the late land baron, Fredrick Mabamba’s United We Stand Co-operative.
The local authority said the homeowners were allocated alternative stands and advised to destroy the structures but have hitherto ignored the directive.
Manyame ward 8 councillor Tichaona Munhunepi (MDC Alliance) told NewsDay Weekender that a council delegation will visit the area next week and issue a final warning before the graders move in. He said:
<blockquote>When we moved around after the floods, we realised that affected houses in Murisa Phase 2 belonged to people who we had already given alternative stands and had since occupied.
But instead of demolishing their structures along Duri, they then looked for lodgers. Those who had not been allocated new stands are less than 10.
It is because they don’t have documents that explain how they got stands. We have warned these people several times to destroy their structures, but they didn’t heed the call.
Those who don’t listen must know that we are coming with a grader. When we open roads, we are not going to be stopped by their structures. They must go to the council offices and put their papers in order.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/07/manyame-to-demolish-17-streambank-houses/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Manyame RDC To Demolish 17 Streambank Houses In Murisa

The demolitions of “illegal” structures continued barely hours after the ruling ZANU PF party announced that it had put a stop to the ongoing blitz.
On Monday ZANU PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu said that the party and its leadership are against the ongoing demolitions being carried out by councils.
Mpofu made the remarks during a media briefing after meeting Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo and National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Daniel Garwe. He said:
<blockquote>The party and its President and First Secretary Cde Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, as well as the entirety of leadership, uphold the right to shelter and human dignity.
As such, the current wanton demolitions in urban and peri-urban areas must stop forthwith while the processes to resolve the associated challenges are in motion.
An all stakeholders meeting will be convened soon to discuss similar matters in areas affected.</blockquote>
However, this Tuesday, Harare City Council razed down some structures at Glenview 8 complex that allegedly encroached road servitudes.
The local authority destroyed all illegal structures along Willowvale Road starting from the Willowvale and Highglen traffic intersection.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/council-demolishes-illegal-structures-around-glenview-8-complex/">The Herald</a></h4>

Council Destroys 'Illegal Structures' In Glen View

ZANU PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu on Monday said that the party and its leadership are against the ongoing demolitions of houses in Mashonaland East Province which have left hundreds of families homeless.
Mpofu said this while addressing the media after meeting Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo and National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Daniel Garwe.
He said the ruling party resolved that an all stakeholder meeting to iron out the challenges that residents are facing was the best way forward. Said Mpofu:
<blockquote>The party and its President and First Secretary Cde Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, as well as the entirety of leadership, uphold the right to shelter and human dignity.
As such, the current wanton demolitions in urban and peri-urban areas must stop forthwith while the processes to resolve the associated challenges are in motion.
An all stakeholders meeting will be convened soon to discuss similar matters in areas affected.</blockquote>
Mpofu’s statement follows a public outcry stirred by the demolition of hundreds of houses in Melfort in Goromonzi last week, by the Goromonzi Rural District Council.
Most of the houses were owned by ZANU PF supporters and it is thought that the demolitions are simply a manifestation of factional fights within the ruling party.
Mpofu added that the party supports the concept of regularising illegal houses to preserve the right to shelter. He said:
<blockquote>The party stands supportive of the ongoing regularisation programme of residential stands being undertaken by the Housing and Social Amenities Ministry across the nation to mitigate housing shortages.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zanu-pf-stops-house-demolitions/">The Herald</a></h4>

ZANU PF Calls For 'All Stakeholders Meeting' On House Demolitions

Hundreds of residents of Diamond Park, a settlement in Melfort between Harare and Marondera were left homeless after their houses were demolished by Goromonzi Rural District Council this week.
The Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities said in a statement that the settlement was illegal and the courts ordered that the area be vacated six months ago.
It said the developer and residents of Diamond Park were subject of a court order six months ago to vacate the area but ignored it.
The Ministry further stated that the developer, Eastwinds Properties, knew the settlement was illegal two years ago and was ordered almost a year ago by Government to stop selling stands. The statement read in part:
<blockquote>The Melfort land in question was occupied by a company called Eastwinds Properties represented by Rodger Pote in 2018.
In an attempt to develop the land, the company parcelled out pieces of land at a premium whilst not providing the requisite offsite and onsite infrastructure.
On December 1 2019, the then ZANU PF chairman of Mashonaland East and Minister of Transport, the late Hon Joe Biggie Matiza, called for a Melfort stakeholder’s meeting to find a lasting solution for the illegal settlement.
In that meeting, the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities was requested to include Melfort in its regularisation agenda.
This decision was arrived at based on the understanding that the developer was a holder of a genuine and legitimate offer letter or Development Permit from Government.
After the meeting, the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities commenced its Melfort regularisation programme.
As plans progressed, the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities received numerous adverse reports from various stakeholders, including reports of an ongoing legal battle between the developer and Goromonzi Rural District Council.
The legal battle revolved around the ownership of the land between the developer and Goromonzi Rural District Council which falls under the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and.
The Goromonzi Rural District Council disputed the authenticity of the developer’s permit.</blockquote>
The Ministry said it then wrote to Eastwinds Properties on September 22 last year instructing the firm to immediately stop selling any further land to home-seekers and to discontinue all developments until all legal matters were resolved. It said:
<blockquote>The legal matters between the two parties have since been settled and a judgement was handed down by the Goromonzi Magistrates Court on 4 December 2020.
The court ordered that the defendants and all those claiming rights of occupation of stands at or within Melfort township, Goromonzi, be forthwith ejected from the stands.
The plaintiff (the council) or the Messenger of Court, and if necessary with the assistance of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, are authorised to demolish all illegal structures built by the defendants and all those claiming rights of occupation through them at within Melfort township, Goromonzi, and the defendants shall jointly and severally pay the costs of the legal action on an attorney and client scale.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/defiant-residents-left-stranded-after-demolition-of-homes/">The Herald</a></h4>

Hundreds Of Houses In Diamond Park, Melfort Demolished

City of Harare has vowed to continue demolishing illegal structures around the city in spite of a court order barring it from doing so.
On Saturday council workers backed by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) razed stalls belonging to informal traders in Mbare.
Illegal structures around Mupedzanhamo, Magaba Home Industry, Shawasha and Matapi Flats were all demolished.
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/06/20/chamisa-berates-govt-over-ongoing-murambatsvina/">Chamisa Berates Govt Over Ongoing ‘Murambatsvina’</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/06/19/mbare-residents-happy-with-demolitions-council/">Mbare Residents Happy With Demolitions – Council</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/06/19/pictures-council-destroys-market-stalls-in-mbare/">PICTURES: Council Destroys Market Stalls In Mbare</a>
</li>
</ul>
Harare City Council spokesperson Michael Chideme told The Sunday Mail that traders should relocate to designated areas in residential areas. Said Chideme:
<blockquote>We assisted some traders in Mbare to remove their illegal structures today and the exercise will continue.
We will continue to assist them in all suburbs to remove their structures and they should go to the designated trading sites. All suburbs have empty spaces right now.</blockquote>
Last week the High Court issued an order barring the city authorities from continuing the destructions after the informal traders through their lawyers approached the courts seeking protection.
The High Court order also protects informal traders in Chitungwiza where the local council was destroying traders’ stalls.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/demolitions-to-continue" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Sunday Mail</a></h4>

Council Vows To Continue With Demolitions

MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa has castigated the government for the ongoing demolition of informal businesses within the Harare Metropolitan Province.
On Saturday Harare City Council workers, backed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), swooped on Mbare, Harare’s oldest suburb and razed to the ground informal business structures, throwing thousands of vendors out of business.
The demolitions, which are being done in the middle of winter, are reminiscent of the 2005 Operation <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Operation_Murambatsvina" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Murambatsvina</a> which left nearly a million people homeless.
In a post on Twitter on Sunday, Chamisa criticised the government’s penchant for destroying people’s livelihood during cold months: He wrote:
<blockquote>AN ILLEGAL GVT CANT DEMOLISH ILLEGAL STRUCTURES… It can’t be normal for a [government] to specialize in destruction &amp;demolition.
And why always ‘Murambatsvina during cold winters? Unless we deal with the illegal structure produced by rigged elections, illegalities will be difficult to stop.</blockquote>
MDC Alliance Treasurer David Coltart also questioned why the authorities were carrying out the demolitions while failing to create jobs. He tweeted on Saturday:
<blockquote>Whilst many people including me, want the formal sector of our economy to grow, the destruction of vendors stalls in this manner is crude and cruel.
These are some of the poorest people in #Zimbabwe. When jobs are created through national policies, most vendor stalls will disappear.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, City of Harare said that Mbare residents are happy with the demolitions that were mostly concentrated at the Mupedzanhamo Flea Market area but also cascaded to the adjacent Magaba Home Industry.

Chamisa Berates Govt Over Ongoing 'Murambatsvina'

City of Harare said that Mbare residents are happy after its workers backed by armed police officers on Saturday razed to the ground hundreds of stalls belonging to informal traders in the suburb.
The demolitions were most concentrated at the Mupedzanhamo Flea Market area but also cascaded to the adjacent Magaba Home Industry.
In a post on its Twitter page late on Saturday afternoon, the Harare City Council claimed Mbare residents expressed joy that they could now live in peace. It said:
<blockquote>Mbare clean up and removal of illegal structures progressed well today. Mbare residents expressed joy that they can now live in peace.</blockquote>
City spokesperson Michael Chideme confirmed the demolitions in an interview with NewZimbabwe.com. He said:
<blockquote>I can confirm that we have removed all illegal structures at Mupedzanhamo. Go and see for yourself for authenticity purposes.</blockquote>
Saturday’s demolitions happened in defiance of a High Court order issued last week barring the city authorities from continuing the destructions after the informal traders through their lawyers approached the courts seeking protection.
The High Court order also protects informal traders in Chitungwiza where the local council was destroying traders’ stalls.
The demolitions will most likely drive thousands of families deeper into poverty as they rely on vending for survival.
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/06/19/pictures-council-destroys-market-stalls-in-mbare/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">READ MORE: PICTURES: Council Destroys Market Stalls In Mbare</a>
The Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) condemned the destructions in defiance of the High Court order. It said in a statement:
<blockquote>VISET condemns in the strongest terms the continued destructions being undertaken by police at the instruction of Mr Tafadzwa Muguti the PDC (provincial district coordinator) Harare Metropolitan Province in defiance of a High Court order.
Today (Saturday) they are in Mbare, having begun the exercise at 3 am.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/latest-police-harare-city-demolish-traders-stalls-in-mbare/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Mbare Residents Happy With Demolitions - Council

Harare City Council (HCC) has been demolishing market stalls erected by informal traders without permission in Mbare, one of the capital’s oldest suburbs.
This follows an ultimatum issued by the Provincial Development Coordinator for Harare, Tafadzwa Muguti on the 3rd of June.
Pictures of the wreckage left in Mbare on Saturday following the demolitions have gone viral on social media platforms.
Here are some of the pictures:

Speaking recently, Acting Harare Mayor, Councillor Stewart Mutizwa (MDC-T), justified the ongoing demolitions. He said:
<blockquote>No more room for illegal operations in Harare. We are going to remove every illegal settlement and every illegal operation.
It is not only on the roadsides but everywhere with illegal operations. We will be controlling them and removing them.</blockquote>
 <img class="pictures-mainly-articles" src="/media/news/articles/5f8b50a8bff04f20fcb0ece55c7c41f9fa24884d.webp"/><img/> <img class="pictures-mainly-articles" src="/media/news/articles/1a3efc1cdc1dafdf69608dcefe99a7fe1626db87.webp"/><img/> <img class="pictures-mainly-articles" src="/media/news/articles/2ca7e780c5ba0f98947b8f842528acfa5b5d574e.webp"/><img/> <img class="pictures-mainly-articles" src="/media/news/articles/7993a2395f727fbf75b3ed0402b60dfa7304931c.webp"/><img/> <img class="pictures-mainly-articles" src="/media/news/articles/60cc2d874a54caa05472926d4c49ce6d51596dfb.webp"/><img/> <img class="pictures-mainly-articles" src="/media/news/articles/8f454450f25440356a4342066e6a4a2c26a3f939.webp"/><img/> <img class="pictures-mainly-articles" src="/media/news/articles/a3caa174683e049bc451a0d815b9e6de83602fa0.webp"/><img/>

PICTURES: Council Destroys Market Stalls In Mbare

An informal trader who is physically challenged caused a stir on Monday after he confronted Harare municipal police who were demolition illegal structures at the Mbudzi roundabout.
Reports claim that a bulldozer that was being used during the demolitions had a mechanical failure soon after the trader identified as King Irie confronted the council workers.
According to H-Metro, witnesses claimed they saw one young man splashing traditional snuff at the bulldozer loader before disappearing into the crowd.
Onlookers speculated that black magic could have caused the machine to malfunction.
King Irie reportedly challenged the municipal police arguing why they were also targeting people living with disabilities. He said:
<blockquote>You can’t destroy my property, at least show mercy on my business. This is my only source of livelihood. This will not end well.</blockquote>
The demolitions were momentarily halted but eventually recommenced with King Irie’s spot not spared.
A food vendor, Memory Jumbe said she lost her source of livelihood after Harare City Council launched the blitz. She said:
<blockquote>I was surviving off selling sadza to travellers and now they have destroyed my only hope of earning a living.
I have tried to get a proper lease with council but the queues are too long and sometimes traders are turned away.
There is no proper communication as to when the council grants licences so I was just operating to fend for my family.</blockquote>
The ongoing demolitions commenced on Monday. They are being conducted by Harare City Council, Chitungwiza Municipality, Ruwa Local Board and Epworth Local Board with the assistance of ZRP and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development.
The government is targeting unregistered informal traders who are in the car sales, furniture, bricks, sand and quarry stones business operating along road servitudes.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/juju-drama-halts-demolitions/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">H-Metro</a></h4>

Black Magic Drama Halts Demolitions At Mbudzi Roundabout

Local Government Minister July Moyo on Tuesday said demolitions of illegal settlements will continue and eviction notices will be effected at the right time.
Addressing a press conference, Moyo however, said the Harare City Council should wait until after the rain season to execute the eviction orders from the courts. Moyo said:
<blockquote>All those who have been given eviction orders should know that these eviction orders are legal instruments and therefore cannot be defied by individuals.
As government, because we uphold the rule of law unless individuals have gone to court to rescind these court orders, those court orders will be effected at the appropriate time.</blockquote>
Moyo said people who have already been evicted cannot go back to the areas where they were evicted from but should be relocated.
This comes after a total of 134 families were left homeless in Budiriro, Harare, after council demolished illegal structures under Tembwe Housing Cooperative.
The demolitions were carried out earlier this month and residents were left in the open in the middle of what promises to be one of the wettest summers in recent years.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/12/demolitions-to-continue-govt/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

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