From Al Jazeera · Calvin Manika · · 1m 40s
Harare Demolitions Leave Families Homeless
Harare residents lose homes after years of saving for legal builds.
In brief
Harare residents lose homes after years of saving for legal builds. Harare residents face homelessness after city council demolishes homes they built with council-allocated land despite court orders protecting their properties. Originally reported by Al Jazeera.
Demolition Alert
Methro Masunga woke to bulldozers at 5am on August 14, 2026, as her home was marked for destruction in St Martins Extension.
“I thought they were here for some other business, probably land development or road grading; alas, they had been sent to destroy our homes.”
Years of Sacrifice
Masunga saved for five years working part-time cleaning to buy a residential stand, paying deposit in 2015 and monthly contributions.
“I worked part-time jobs doing laundry and washing dishes in people’s houses for five years, saving where possible.”
Legal Dispute
City council records show over 5,000 houses facing demolition under 37 high court orders in Harare’s 2026 program.
“The full number of people displaced by demolitions across Harare in 2026 has not been independently established.”
Court Order Conflict
A court order from October 29, 2025, barred evictions but did not cover all properties in St Martins Extension.
“On October 29, 2025, Justice Happias Zhou issued a consent order in case HCH5444/25, setting aside demolition notices issued to named applicants in St Martins Extension.”
Residents' Claims
Residents say they obtained allocation letters through municipal processes but were demolished despite court-protected status.
“There was a court order for them to stop demolitions. The municipal authorities came with no court order that overturned the previous judgement, but went ahead to destroy the properties.”
Municipal Response
City council claims they target illegal structures with repeated warnings, not properties with approved building plans.
“We are only demolishing structures built illegally whose owners were told and warned many times not to proceed with construction.”
Land Allocation Issues
A 2019 commission found unauthorised land sales and weak administration by local authorities in Harare.
“A 2019 commission of inquiry chaired by Justice Tendai Uchena identified unauthorised land sales, weak administration and poor record-keeping by local authorities.”
Residents Demand Action
Harare Residents’ Trust wrote to the president on July 22, 2026, calling for audit of city council finances and implementation of governance findings.
“The Harare Residents’ Trust wrote to the president on July 22, 2026, calling for the publication of the report of the commission of inquiry into the financial affairs of the city of Harare.”
Financial Impact
Joachim Nhete lost his home after investing over $10,000 in a house built on allocated land with no insurance.
“I didn’t have one [insurance]. I cannot recover the loss and pain.”
Government Stance
Minister Daniel Garwe acknowledged 5,000 demolition orders but said government does not carry out demolitions or interfere with court processes.
“The government did not carry out demolitions and could not interfere with court processes.”
What Happens Next
Residents demand accountability through legal action and government audits to prevent further homelessness.
“My hope is in the courts of law that Harare City Council must be held accountable and pay us back.”
The main idea
Harare residents face homelessness after city council demolishes homes they built with council-allocated land despite court orders protecting their properties.
