More than 3,000 families in Chingwizi are considering taking the Government to court over a growing land dispute. The families fear losing their homes after alleged investors reportedly emerged claiming rights to their resettlement land. The affected residents occupy Chingwizi Section on Nuanetsi Ranch A in Mwenezi District. They were relocated there following their displacement during the construction of the Tokwe-Mukosi Dam.
However, the emergence of the alleged investors has renewed uncertainty over their future. Representing the families, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has demanded answers from the Government. Lawyers from Shava Law Chambers wrote to the Ministry of Lands and Rural Development on 15 October.
They requested information about the investors and the legal status of the land allocated to residents. Obey Shava, a ZLHR lawyer, said the ministry received two weeks to address their concerns. The legal team also wants copies of allocation documents and details identifying the alleged investors.
Additionally, lawyers want confirmation that authorities have not lawfully withdrawn the families’ occupation rights. They have also demanded assurances against possible evictions and demolitions. According to Shava, authorities have never issued termination notices or repossession orders. The families have also received no compensation offers and have not agreed to relocate.
Chingwizi families prepare court action over disputed land
The deadline for the ministry’s response has now passed without clarification. Consequently, the lawyers are consulting the affected families about pursuing legal action. They want the courts to compel the Government to disclose information about the disputed land. Shava believes the ministry’s failure to respond raises serious questions about the situation.
“Failure to respond shows that Government is aware of what is happening and who the investors are. The two weeks have lapsed without a response, and this leaves us with no option but to approach the courts so that the Government releases the information and assures the people of what it intends to do next,” said Shava.
He argued that the Government’s silence could indicate prior knowledge of developments involving the land.
Meanwhile, the dispute has revived painful memories for families displaced by the Tokwe-Mukosi Dam project. Authorities relocated the families to Chingwizi under Statutory Instrument 53 of 2014. Many lost their homes, agricultural land and family graves during the dam’s construction.
However, authorities promised them permanent settlement and opportunities through irrigation projects linked to the country’s largest inland water body. Since their relocation, residents have established homes and developed communities across the settlement.
Their lawyers say families have constructed houses, schools and clinics on the land. Some residents have also buried relatives there, strengthening their connection to the settlement.
Government official urges Chingwizi residents not to panic
The legal representatives have also raised allegations of intimidation involving people linked to the purported investors. They claim these individuals have threatened residents with eviction and demolition.
However, the alleged threats have reportedly come without court orders or other legal authority. Lawyers have further alleged that some graves suffered disturbance or desecration during the dispute.
Meanwhile, Government officials have moved to ease growing concerns among the affected families. Addmore Pazvakavambwa, Masvingo Provincial Secretary for Devolution, described reports of impending evictions as unverified. He said he recently visited Mwenezi but had received no formal briefing about the dispute.
Pazvakavambwa also insisted that authorities would officially notify residents about any Government relocation programme.
“If there is a Government programme meant to move people, they will be formally notified. People should not panic after hearing gossip or hearsay. As Government, we formally go to the ground and advise people,” said Pazvakavambwa.
The dispute now places thousands of families in uncertainty as they await official clarification.
Their lawyers are considering court action following the ministry’s failure to address their concerns.
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