Council file disappears as Chadzamira grabs widow's property

Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, is at the center of a legal dispute involving an 8-hectare plot in Morningside, Masvingo, owned by widow Farai Mazenge Mutsetse. The plot, which includes her home and grazing land, was reportedly seized by Chadzamira, who has begun constructing a school on the property.

According to court documents filed by Mutsetse last month, vital records confirming her ownership of the plot have vanished from Masvingo City Council's files. However, Mutsetse retained her own copies, which include the plot's history since 1998, proof of water, rates, and service payments over 15 years, all of which are up to date.

Mutsetse's lawyers, Dube Banda Nzarayapenga, allege collusion between Chadzamira and Masvingo City Council to dispossess her of the property, which the council has long recognized as hers.

This is not the first time Chadzamira has faced allegations of land seizures. In 2016, the minister was accused of taking over a mansion and farm belonging to 66-year-old widow Yvonne Goddard, who was left homeless after the eviction. Goddard's property, Cresta Ibeka farm, has since reportedly fallen into disuse.

Mutsetse has filed an application to halt further construction on her land and to have Chadzamira evicted. She alleges significant emotional distress from losing her matrimonial property.

"The second plaintiff has been subjected to emotional shock … accruing out of the loss of her matrimonial property," states the application.

Mutsetse's lawyers argue that Chadzamira has failed to provide any legal documents - such as an offer letter, deed, or lease - justifying his claim to the land. Chadzamira claims to have purchased the plot from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, but no supporting documentation has been provided.

Mutsetse says the construction has disrupted her farming operations and taken over grazing land for her cattle. She remains unaware of the construction company handling the project.

The case implicates Masvingo City Council, with sources alleging the council unnecessarily involved itself in the dispute, potentially burdening ratepayers with significant legal costs. Council officials have reportedly refused to release minutes from meetings held to discuss the matter.

Mutsetse's court filings detail her late husband's 2009 purchase of the plot from Masvingo City Council, the subsequent approval of development plans, and ongoing efforts to obtain a deed for the land, which were disrupted earlier this year when construction crews linked to Chadzamira arrived.

Despite police reports filed at Rujeko Police Station, construction has continued unabated. The sprawling development now covers much of the contested plot.

The case has attracted public attention, with critics highlighting systemic abuse of power and inadequate protections for vulnerable citizens in land disputes. As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on how the courts handle the high-profile case and its implications for property rights in Zimbabwe.

Chadzamira's lawyers have yet to respond to the allegations.