Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
The City of Harare has warned of fresh demolitions, saying all unapproved and partially built structures in illegal settlements will be pulled down as Government and council move to jointly clamp down on unlawful land developments across the capital.
This comes amid revelations that land earmarked for the construction of Highglen Stadium has been completely taken over by land barons, with individuals continuing to build houses on the site despite full knowledge that completed structures were previously flattened on the same grounds.
Several other public amenity spaces across the capital — including land designated for schools, recreational parks and sports facilities — have similarly been invaded and illegally subdivided by land syndicates. In a public notice issued yesterday, the City of Harare announced that the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, will early next week lead a joint inspection tour of all identified illegal settlements alongside municipal authorities.
“Unapproved structures, whether completed or partially built, will be demolished in line with applicable statutes,” reads part of the notice.
The local authority ordered an immediate halt to all unauthorised construction activities, including land clearing and trenching taking place without municipal approvals or valid legal titles.
“Any ongoing construction, land clearing, trenching or building work taking place without official municipal approval or valid legal title must stop immediately,” the statement added.
According to the City, the upcoming ministerial tour will inspect non-compliant sites to pave the way for immediate enforcement actions and the prosecution of offenders.
“Individuals, syndicates or illegal land barons selling, buying or building on unallocated State or council land will face swift arrest and prosecution under the full weight of the law,” read the statement.
Prospective home-seekers and residents have been sternly warned against acquiring land or paying money to unauthorised individuals promising land regularisation, with authorities clarifying that the Ministry will not protect or compensate anyone engaging in illicit transactions. “Order and lawful land administration will be restored without exception,” council said.
This fresh warning comes at a time when Harare City Council is already on record stating that it holds over 37 High Court orders to evict illegal settlers and demolish more than 5,000 structures in high-density suburbs such as Kuwadzana, Budiriro, Glen View and Mabvuku.
However, previous attempts to execute these court orders and roll out citywide demolitions never materialised after the central Government intervened and halted the exercise, insisting that no demolitions should take place.
To bypass municipal oversight, land barons have reportedly exploited a legal loophole based on the premise that once a structure is completed and occupied for 24 hours, it cannot be demolished without a formal court order.
Exploiting this tactic, syndicates organise rapid night-time building drives, erecting two-roomed structures in as little as 48 hours to establish residency before authorities can intervene.
