The High Court has mandated the demolition of 18 houses in Chitungwiza to facilitate the interests of a private company. In response, the affected homeowners urgently petitioned the High Court to halt the impending demolitions.

Lovemore Chitsuro, one of the applicants, submitted an affidavit asserting the lawful acquisition of their plots. The legal action names Massmore Investments Private Limited as the first respondent, claiming the same land awarded by Chitungwiza Municipality. The Municipality and the High Court Sheriff are listed as the second and third respondents, respectively.

Chitsuro highlighted that he received an offer letter and lease agreement for his 800-square-meter stand in Manyame Park from the municipality. Despite this, the High Court, through Justice Gladys Mhuri, granted the sheriff authorization to carry out demolitions affecting Chitsuro and his neighbors.

The execution of the court order was temporarily suspended following appeals to the Supreme Court. Chitsuro, through the application, seeks to prevent the sheriff from demolishing his property, arguing that he was not party to the original court order and did not obtain occupation through the parties involved.

Chitsuro disclosed that on November 15, 2023, they were informed of the imminent demolitions and, despite disputing the matter, were advised by the sheriff that the demolitions would proceed as planned.

Expressing concern about potential homelessness during a cholera outbreak, Chitsuro stressed the urgency of obtaining relief. He emphasized compliance with all requirements, payment of the stipulated amount of $23,930, and the issuance of a lease agreement in September 2020.

Chitsuro contested the legality and constitutionality of the order to evict and demolish his property, asserting that he was not party to relevant court proceedings. He insisted on his right to be heard in court and deemed the impending harm genuine and imminent. The case is scheduled for a hearing on Monday.

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