About 800 families in Harare’s Msasa Park suburb face eviction after courts confirmed the land is owned by Msasa Park (Private) Limited. The company holds title to Stand 560 Chadcombe Township, a 280-hectare property where residents had built homes, believing the land was given to them. Fifty families have already been removed.
The dispute began years ago and escalated in 2023 when the company offered residents the chance to buy their plots at US$15 per square meter. Some refused, insisting the land was donated. Led by Paina Machidza, about 800 people challenged the evictions in court. Multiple rulings, including a July 2025 summary judgment and an October 2025 Supreme Court dismissal, upheld the company’s ownership.
Police oversaw the initial evictions to maintain order and stability. Tensions flared when resident Onismus Mukau allegedly brandished a firearm at officers and was arrested by the Zimbabwe Republic Police Support Unit. Evictions will continue until the remaining residents either purchase their stands or leave. Landowner Farai Zuva stated that the goal is orderly development and secure legal ownership for residents.
The dispute began years ago and escalated in 2023 when the company offered residents the chance to buy their plots at US$15 per square meter. Some refused, insisting the land was donated. Led by Paina Machidza, about 800 people challenged the evictions in court. Multiple rulings, including a July 2025 summary judgment and an October 2025 Supreme Court dismissal, upheld the company’s ownership.
Police oversaw the initial evictions to maintain order and stability. Tensions flared when resident Onismus Mukau allegedly brandished a firearm at officers and was arrested by the Zimbabwe Republic Police Support Unit. Evictions will continue until the remaining residents either purchase their stands or leave. Landowner Farai Zuva stated that the goal is orderly development and secure legal ownership for residents.
