The ManicaPost
Rusape Correspondent
A TOTAL of 56 plot holders in Headlands holders who allegedly resettled themselves in a disputed territory between Makoni Rural District Council and Murehwa Rural District Council heaved huge sighs of relief after winning a court order against the latter who wanted to evict them.
The 56 dragged Murehwa Rural District Council and its District Administrator, Mr Maxwell Mabhuro to Rusape Civil Courts praying that the two should be barred from evicting them as they claimed that they were in Makoni not Murehwa District.
Murehwa RDC and Mabhuro failed to attend the hearing and magistrate, Mrs Elizabeth Hanzi granted the plot holders a default judgement. The 56 who were represented by Mr Leonard Chigadza of Chigadza and Associates told the court that Murehwa RDC once attempted to evict them in 2005, but was barred by the courts.
“In 2001, the applicants occupied Changwe Farm and our settlement was named Chirarangwe Resettlement. The settlement was recognised by the Local Government administrative authority which is Makoni Rural District Council. Sometime in 2005 there was a boundary dispute between Makoni, the applicant’s administrative authority and Murehwa and its District Administrator.
“Respondents (Murehwa RDC and Mr Mabhuro) wanted to evict the applicants. The matter was heard in this honourable court under Case Number 345/05 and an interdict was issued against the two respondents as per attached copy of judgement.
“From 2005 to date, the applicants have been in peaceful possession of their respective plots. On or around September 2, 2016, the respondents have been threatening to evict us. The respondents did not appeal against the court order which was made against them.
“Applicants have clear rights to the respective properties which were occupied since 2000. There is imminent danger of applicants being made homeless by the threatened evictions. There are no other options available, but a court interdict,” said Mr Chigadza.
