Zimbabwean authorities demolish illegal settlements in Harare and Zvimba

Authorities in Zimbabwe are conducting widespread demolitions of illegal settlements in both urban and rural areas. In the Zvimba district, the Zvimba Rural District Council has demolished homes in Murombedzi, targeting settlements often facilitated by “sabhuku deals.” These informal transactions involve individuals paying village heads or local intermediaries for land that is frequently reserved for public infrastructure such as schools, clinics, or roads.

In Harare, the City Council has reported that land barons are using forged documents and night-time invasions to seize property. The council is moving to demolish over 100 illegal settlements, particularly in areas like Kuwadzana Paddocks, Budiriro, and Greendale. The council noted that some cooperatives have built on protected wetlands and school sites.

While a regularisation programme is underway to bring order to the housing sector, the council has stated that no regularisation will be granted for wetlands, recreational areas, or any new invasions occurring after September 24, 2023. Cases involving forged signatures and illegal land allocations have been reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police.