By Staff Reporter
Harare – The High Court has issued an order halting the encroachment of Kuyemura Housing Pay Scheme, a Mabvuku-based housing cooperative, onto land owned by Eastwind Trust.
Eastwind Trust, which holds ownership of nearly 400 stands at Donnybrook Farm near Mabvuku, accused the cooperative of illegally occupying four residential stands and a plot designated for a church.
Justice Neville Wamambo ruled in favor of Eastwind Trust, declaring Kuyemura Housing Pay Scheme’s actions unlawful.
The court order prohibits the cooperative and its associates from interfering with Eastwind Trust’s rights to the land and has instructed the Zimbabwe Republic Police to arrest anyone found in contempt of the court order.
“The applicant is the lawful holder and occupier of 395 stands situated at the remainder of Donnybrook Farm held under approved map and under approved plan New Tafara TPY/ER/01/13, including stand numbers 16875, 16945, 16746, 6947 and a church stand,” part of the court order read.
“That the first respondent (Kuyamura), his agents or assignees and anyone claiming to act through its authority be and is hereby declared to be in contempt of court should they continue interfering with the applicant’s rights and the Zimbabwe Republic Police is expected to arrest first respondent and all those claiming to act through its authority for contempt of court,” further read the court order.
Harare City Council, named as the second respondent in the case, has been implicated in the ongoing land disputes.
In recent weeks, the city has demolished illegally constructed houses on council land.
Reports suggest that influential figures linked to Zanu PF, the ruling party, are involved in land invasions, including wetlands, and the subsequent allocation of residential stands to desperate home seekers.
This trend has exacerbated the housing crisis in Harare and surrounding areas.
As the legal battle continues, it remains to be seen whether the court order will effectively deter further land invasions and protect property rights.
