Masvingo Minister of State Ezra Chadzamira Accused Of Grabbing A Widow’s Land Without Permission

Masvingo’s Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, is at the centre of a legal battle for seizing a widow’s land. The property, owned by Farai Mazenge Mutsetse, has been the subject of contention after the minister allegedly took control of the land and began constructing a school.

According to court documents filed by Mutsetse last month, critical records relating to the property have mysteriously disappeared from files maintained by the Masvingo City Council. The only remaining document is a house plan, leaving Mutsetse to rely on her personal copies of the paperwork.

Allegations Against Chadzamira

Ezra Chadzamira accused of grabbing a widow’s land-Image Source@X

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Mutsetse, represented by the law firm Dube Banda Nzarayapenga, has accused both the minister and Masvingo City Council of colluding to strip her of her property rights. The widow has resided on and managed the plot, including livestock farming, for over 15 years with full recognition from the city council.

This is not the first time Chadzamira has been accused of displacing a widow. In 2016, he allegedly took possession of a mansion and a farm, Cresta Ibeka, from a then 66-year-old widow, Yvonne Goddard. The farm, located just 10 kilometers from the current disputed property, has reportedly suffered a decline in productivity since the takeover.

Widow’s Evidence and Legal Action

Fortunately for Mutsetse, she retained comprehensive records of the plot, including its full ownership history since 1998, payment receipts for water, rates, sewer charges, and approved development plans. These documents form the basis of her High Court application seeking to halt Chadzamira’s construction activities and evict him from the land.

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Mutsetse has expressed significant emotional distress over the loss of her matrimonial property, as detailed in her legal filings. She argues that Chadzamira has failed to produce any legitimate documentation justifying his claim to the property, such as an offer letter, deed, or lease agreement. Instead, he claims to have purchased the plot from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.