Woman Evicted After Building on Stand Sold Twice, Couple with Title Deed Declared Owners
The High Court has ruled in favour of a Bulawayo couple who held title deeds to a disputed housing stand, ordering the eviction of a woman who had built on the property without formal ownership documents.
The ruling ends a protracted wrangle in which two homeseekers claimed to have bought the same stand from the same seller nearly two decades apart.
Also Read: New Title Deeds Regime in Zimbabwe: A Guide to Validation of Title Deed Under SI 76 of 2025
Court Rules in Favour of Second Buyer
According to Zimlive, Justice Evangelista Kabasa declared David and Dadirai Shoko as the rightful owners of Lot 2 of Lot 42 North Trenance in Bulawayo. The couple purchased the property in 2013 for US$13,000 and secured a title deed in 2022.
In contrast, rival claimant Blessing Matsvimbo argued that she bought the stand in 2006 for ZW$150 million in instalments and had already built a two-roomed house on the land, which her mother currently occupies.
Dispute Erupts During Construction Attempt
The dispute escalated in December 2024 when Shoko returned from Namibia to start construction, only to find the house already standing on the land.
Matsvimbo accused the Shokos of colluding with the original seller, Kennedy Nyakudziwanza, in what she described as a fraudulent transaction.
Judge Rejects Collusion Claims
Justice Kabasa dismissed Matsvimbo’s arguments and ruled firmly in favour of the Shokos.
“The applicants are the registered owners of the property which is being occupied by the respondent. Such occupation is not with the applicants’ consent. The applicants’ title to the property has not been impugned,” the judge said.
The court also heard that Matsvimbo had already reported Nyakudziwanza to police, and he now faces fraud charges
“The fact that the respondent has reported the seller for fraud is telling. He is the one who duped her and it is to him that a claim lies,” Justice Kabasa ruled.
Eviction and Legal Costs Ordered
With no evidence of collusion, the court ordered Matsvimbo to vacate the property within seven days or face eviction by the Sheriff. She was also directed to pay the Shokos’ legal costs.
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