By Correspondent
The 320 St Martins residents who had been given eviction notices by Harare City have won a High Court order stopping Council from carrying out the exercise.
Harare sent out eviction notices last month alleging that the residents were carrying out unauthorized developments.
“The City of Harare has noted with grave concern that you are undertaking unauthorized developments on the above-mentioned property.
“(This is) in contravention of the City of Harare Planning By-Laws and other applicable statutory provisions.
“You are hereby directed to cease all ongoing development activities and to restore the property to its original condition.
“Failure to comply with this directive will result in the City of Harare exercising its statutory’ powers to enforce compliance,” Acting Director of Planning Samuel Nyabezi wrote.
However, the residents took the case to Court where a judgement by Justice Zhou was deliverd to their benefit.
“The demolition notices issued by the respondent, City of Harare, dated 9 October 2025, be and are here set aside.
“The respondent, together with all and any person acting or purporting to act on its behalf and or in its name be and are hereby interdicted from evicting the applicants and or demolishing the applicant’s homes presently built on a piece of land known as St Martins Extension.
“The applicant shall not effect further developments on the land in issue without the written approval of the respondent.
Harare’s About Turn
St Martins residents, adjacent Airport Road in Harare, have expressed shock at the Council’s moves.
They allege that they were sold the land by the Council.
The residents allege that there has been name-dropping with VP Chiwenga alleged to be backing the takeover of the land by the Roman Catholic Church.
The Chairman of the St Martins residents, David Jenje said many residents were already occupying their stands.
“People have already started building, and contractors are working on sewer and water connections.
“Now, we are being told that the Vice President, Rtd. Dr. C.D.G.N. Chiwenga, who is Catholic, is pushing for the land to be transferred to the Catholic University for a project called a Medical Hub.
“The Pay Scheme holds documented rights and interests in this land, supported by official records held by the City of Harare.
“(These) include District Officer, the Housing Director’s Office and other relevant authorities.
“These records include offer letters and agreements of sale.
“Members have also paid the full intrinsic value of the land,” they said.
Jenje said they had also engaged different contractors for developmental work.
“Many beneficiaries have commenced development, with several already occupying their homes.
“Contracts have been entered into with contractors for road, sewer and water reticulation.
“Materials have been delivered to the site, all with the full knowledge and consent of the City of Harare.
“Some of the development work is already underway, and the stands have been surveyed by the City of Harare,” he added.
