By Andrew Muvishi
The Municipality of Marondera has reignited tensions with Swandev Pvt Ltd, barely weeks after suffering defeat in the High Court over a nine year Elmswood land dispute.
Following the ruling, which confirmed Swandev’s ownership of land at Elmswood Farm, the council issued a fresh directive targeting Lendy View Park residents.
Lendy View is also owned by Swandev.
In its statement, the council ordered residents to stop paying subscriptions to Swandev.
It alleges encroachment into municipal territory and has promised a valuation exercise.
“Council wishes to inform all beneficiaries of the Lendy View stands situated within the Swandev Pvt Ltd encroachment area that Council is currently undertaking a comprehensive land audit and valuation process.
“In light of this audit, we strongly advise all beneficiaries within this aprticular area to halt any payments to any entity related to the land.
“(That is) until council completes the land audit and valuation processes,” reads council statement.
In response Swandev dismissed the allegation saying their operations are being conducted in full compliance with the law.
It said its occupation of Lendy View Park followed due process and was approved by the Ministry of Local Government.
Swandev also highlighted the unresolved issue of compensation for land surrendered under the Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle program in 2008.
Government directed the company to surrender 398 hectares for resettlement.
However, Marondera Council only provided 8 hectares in return, leaving the company deprived of 390 hectares.
To offset this, Swandev Pvt Ltd occupied 100 hectares in Lendy View Park a move it says was lawful.
“Our operations are conducted in full compliance with the laws and regulations of the country.
“We are proudly in possession of all paperwork that pins us as legal Lendy View Park owners,” it said.
Deflection
Council’s latest move reflects a broader pattern of local authority failure.
Having been found guilty of illegally invading Elmswood, municipality now risks further eroding public trust by pursuing claims that appear baseless.
Instead of addressing its obligations including compensation owed to Swandev council has chosen to cast doubt on the company’s legitimacy.
Swandev, meanwhile, has urged the municipality to follow proper legal channels if it believes a dispute exists.
The battle between Marondera Council and Swandev Pvt Ltd is far from over.
Yet, the facts remain clear, Swandev holds lawful title to Lendy View Park.
Its occupation was approved by the Ministry of Local Government.
The council’s latest allegations, coming so soon after a decisive courtroom defeat, risk being seen not as a defense of public land but as an attempt to mask failure.
