16 families left homeless after land dispute demolitions

Sixteen families in Buhera, Manicaland, have been left homeless after their houses were demolished in a protracted boundary dispute between neighbouring villages, leaving about 50 children out of school. The government has since classified the affected households as vulnerable and pledged assistance.

The displaced families, under village head William Mhere Ngundu, have been living in the open since March 2, enduring ongoing rains while trying to cope with the loss of their homes. Zanu-PF member Tinashe Honye, who is assisting the families, said the children affected range from primary to secondary school levels. Temporary plastic shelters have been erected by the families to provide some protection.

Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Misheck Mugadza confirmed that authorities are actively addressing the situation and noted that the families now qualify for government support.

Mugadza criticised residents of the neighbouring Marume village for demolishing the houses without a court messenger present, describing the action as unlawful. He explained that the conflict stems from a long-standing dispute over a valley wetland that also provides access to a dip tank.

Court battles over the land date back to 2011, initially ruling in favour of Ngundu village. However, Marume later secured a default High Court order in 2015 after Ngundu residents failed to attend the hearing—a ruling they claim they were not properly notified of.

Authorities are now working to provide relief and mediate the dispute, while the affected families continue to live in precarious conditions.