1/The protracted land battle that is unfolding in Swallowfield, Norton with a potential to disenfranchise 400 people of over US$2 million has its genesis in a family dispute over inheritance left by Tapfumaneyi Mushore Chiduku.
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 11, 2024
Tapfumaneyi Chiduku passed away in the early 90s and left the part of Hartley, also known as Swallowfield, to siblings Isaac and Amos Chiduku as joint heirs with 50% each. pic.twitter.com/YhCHliPkS0
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 11, 2024
Disputes with other siblings have resulted in different versions of ownership arising. The other siblings contend that they each own 20%. However, the High Court recently ruled that Amos, who is working with the 400 residents, is the legal owner of a 50% share. @SwallowfieldEst pic.twitter.com/Rynxsllru0
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 11, 2024
The siblings, Amos, Isaac, Noreen and Joconiah Chiduku initially contracted Drowack Investments to develop and sell stands in Swallowfield. However the latter 3 later alleged to have parted ways with the developer. They accused Drowack of failing to fulfil its part. pic.twitter.com/cBT4yL9SYr
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 11, 2024
According to the three, Drowack, which had brought its sister company Capevalley to market and sell the stands, was supposed to be paid with 47 stands after completing development and getting a Certificate of Compliance from Norton Town Council. pic.twitter.com/9qpBhzzzCH
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 11, 2024
However, the company is alleged to have begun selling stands before completion of the development. According to them it even sold more than their share. Below is a letter from Norton Town Council refusing to attend a meeting of the Swallowfield Residents Committee. pic.twitter.com/KlTTLQbaHx
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 11, 2024
As the situation stands Amos Chiduku is siding with the 400 stand buyers while the other three siblings have distances themselves from them. They allege that the buyers were fleeced by Capevalley which should reimburse them. pic.twitter.com/ocvPKMYgk6
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 11, 2024
The three Chiduku siblings allege that Capevalley Properties are selling the residential stands against a provisional High Court granted by Justice Moses Foroma. pic.twitter.com/kgUk7sYsGG
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 11, 2024
However, all the buyers want is to be allowed to have access to their stands. Some are now thinking of invading the area and erecting their cabins if the issue drags on. pic.twitter.com/7ziMM3MxnZ
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 11, 2024
