By Lenon Itai Rwizi
In a landmark decision, the Harare High Court has ordered the eviction of Brickstone Builders and Contractors (Pvt) Ltd from a contested piece of land in Belvedere, after it emerged that the company was building without any legal right or council approval.
This comes at a time when unsuspecting Zimbabweans are reeling from the menace caused by dubious land barons and developers.
Court Rules in Favour of City of Harare
The ruling, handed down by Justice Regis Dembure, sided with the City of Harare in its battle to remove Brickstone from Stand 19156 Salisbury Township Lands, also known as Stands 18991–19042 Belvedere.
The judge found that Brickstone had no valid lease, allocation letter, or council resolution authorising it to develop the land—all of which are required under Section 152(2) of the City of Harare Act.
City officials told the court that anyone seeking rights over council land must follow proper procedures, including securing formal approval from the council.
“Those procedures were never followed in this case.”
Fake Letter Exposed
Brickstone claimed to have a letter from the Ministry of Local Government backing its operations, but the letter was later exposed as a fake.
Senior ministry officials—including Chief Director Mr Mushamba and the person allegedly behind the signature, Mr Madzivire—denied issuing or endorsing the document.
Justice Dembure was critical of Brickstone’s legal team for failing to challenge key council witnesses, stating that their silence during cross-examination effectively confirmed the City’s version of events.
“The defendant and all those claiming occupation through it shall vacate the land within seven (7) days of this order,” the judge ruled.
If Brickstone fails to comply, the Sheriff of Zimbabwe has been authorised to carry out a forced eviction.
Criminal Charges for Directors
This ruling follows a messy saga that began last year, when Brickstone obtained an interim interdict based on the now-discredited letter.
Despite a court order to halt development, the company allegedly continued building, prompting the City of Harare to demolish 30 illegal structures, sparing only a few covered by the initial court protection.
Meanwhile, Brickstone directors Lilian Chitanga and Spencer Mabheka are facing criminal charges.
The National Prosecuting Authority charged the pair with fraud and forgery in September last year, after ZACC investigators found that their “allocation letter” was also counterfeit.
They are accused of selling 52 residential stands to at least 45 home seekers, at prices ranging from US$25,000 to US$40,000 each, using fake documents.
Many buyers, who had already begun construction, were left devastated when their homes were razed by council bulldozers.
What’s Next?
Now, with the eviction order in place, attention shifts to Brickstone’s directors—who face possible jail time—and the dozens of home seekers who may have lost everything in a land deal gone horribly wrong.
Want to Avoid Buying Fake Stands?
For helpful tips on how to avoid falling victim to fraudulent land sales, visit this resource:
How to Avoid Fraudulent Land Purchases
About the Author
Lenon Itai Rwizi is a Registered Legal Practitioner of the Superior Courts of Zimbabwe.
Phone: +263 774 159 146 | +263 713 967 341
Email: lenonrwizi@gmail.com
Facebook: Lenon Rwizi – Legal Practitioner
Disclaimer: The content above does not constitute formal legal advice, nor does it create any type of attorney-client relationship. Please consult a legal professional for personalised advice.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post High Court Delivers Major Decision Against Land Barons appeared first on iHarare News.
