Families in Harare’s St Martins Extension are demanding accountability after municipal authorities demolished homes they had spent years building, leaving residents in temporary accommodation and makeshift shelters.
The demolitions took place on 14 August 2026. Affected residents say they purchased residential plots through council-linked arrangements and received allocation documents before constructing their homes.
Harare City Council maintains that the operation targeted unauthorised structures. Residents dispute that position and accuse the municipality of destroying properties protected by an earlier court order.
Families lose savings and retirement funds
Among those affected is Methro Masunga, a 28-year-old single mother of three who said she financed her property through savings from domestic work.
Masunga said she began paying for her plot in 2015, received an allocation in 2019 and obtained documents through a council process in 2020. Municipal workers demolished her house during the August operation.
Memory Chengeta also lost her home and subsequently moved into temporary shelter. Another resident, Joachim Nhete, said he invested more than $10,000 from his retirement funds in purchasing land and building before authorities destroyed his property.
Some affected families have returned to rented accommodation. Others have remained near their former homes or sought temporary shelter at council premises in Sunningdale.
Council defends enforcement of building requirements
Municipal officials say residents must obtain the necessary construction approvals before building on allocated land.
Council spokesperson Stanley Gama said authorities had repeatedly warned owners of the targeted structures against proceeding with unauthorised construction. He maintained that the operation excluded properties protected by the court order.
Mayor Jacob Mafume urged residents to present approved building plans during municipal inspections. He also called on property owners to comply with council requirements.
Harare’s principal housing director, Edgar Dzehonye, said officials had previously warned St Martins residents against building because the area lacked adequate infrastructure.
Residents’ representatives say beneficiaries paid for land and development works and received allocation letters and agreements of sale from the municipality.
Court order remains central to the dispute
On 29 October 2025, Justice Happias Zhou issued a consent order in case HCH5444/25, setting aside demolition notices affecting named applicants in St Martins Extension.
The order barred the council from evicting those applicants or demolishing their homes without a valid court order. It also prohibited further construction by the applicants without written municipal approval.
Residents’ representatives accuse the council of demolishing homes covered by that protection. The municipality denies targeting protected properties.
Section 74 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution prohibits eviction from a home, or demolition of a home, without a court order issued after consideration of all relevant circumstances.
Human rights commission calls for investigations
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission has called on authorities to protect affected families while enforcing planning and environmental laws.
In a statement issued on 5 November, the commission urged local authorities to expand access to affordable residential plots, improve allocation procedures and provide clear information about approved housing schemes.
It also called for investigations into fraudulent land sales, unlawful allocations and corruption. The commission said demolitions cause financial hardship, emotional distress and disruption to family life, particularly for children, older people and other vulnerable residents.
The commission urged councils to strengthen monitoring of new developments and reduce housing waiting lists through transparent allocation systems.
Residents seek compensation and answers
Representatives of the St Martins Residents Association want investigations into the allocation process and the officials responsible for authorising the demolitions.
Harare South MP Trymore Kanopula has called for further demolitions to stop while authorities audit disputed land allocations. He has also requested that the government present findings from an inquiry into state land sales to Parliament.
Nhete is seeking compensation for the loss of his property. He said he had no insurance to recover the money he invested in his home.
