Elderly pensioners face losing their homes after living on land they bought decades ago. The families purchased plots near Mutasa district right after Zimbabwe became independent. Most residents are retired people who spent their life savings on these properties. Ferro Consulting claims it legally controls the same land and wants everyone out. The company bought the bigger farm back in 1999 and says seven plots belong to them.
Courts decided the plot holders must pay huge development fees to Ferro Consulting. Judges ordered residents to hand over money for taxes and other building costs. Some families might lose parts of their land to cover these expenses. The sheriff delivered eviction papers on June 5 this year. Panicked families rushed to find lawyers after getting the shocking news.
Lawyer Didymus Kubaira filed emergency court papers to stop the evictions. He argues officials issued the removal order way ahead of schedule. The legal team says Ferro Consulting should have waited until July 23 before kicking anyone out. Court rules require proper notice periods before forcing people from their homes. Kubaira claims the company never sent warning letters to residents.
Plot holder Mathias Siyapi leads the group fighting to stay put. His neighbors Michael Sengurai and Wilson Mhasho joined the court battle. Charles Mokosera and Mike Chitewere also refuse to leave their properties. The families insist they paid full price for valid land agreements. High Court judges will decide whether these pensioners keep their homes or lose everything.
Courts decided the plot holders must pay huge development fees to Ferro Consulting. Judges ordered residents to hand over money for taxes and other building costs. Some families might lose parts of their land to cover these expenses. The sheriff delivered eviction papers on June 5 this year. Panicked families rushed to find lawyers after getting the shocking news.
Lawyer Didymus Kubaira filed emergency court papers to stop the evictions. He argues officials issued the removal order way ahead of schedule. The legal team says Ferro Consulting should have waited until July 23 before kicking anyone out. Court rules require proper notice periods before forcing people from their homes. Kubaira claims the company never sent warning letters to residents.
Plot holder Mathias Siyapi leads the group fighting to stay put. His neighbors Michael Sengurai and Wilson Mhasho joined the court battle. Charles Mokosera and Mike Chitewere also refuse to leave their properties. The families insist they paid full price for valid land agreements. High Court judges will decide whether these pensioners keep their homes or lose everything.
