48 families thrown out in murky deal

Forty-three families evicted from Trelawney Farm in Chinhoyi have been left without shelter and are now living on the grounds of a nearby primary school, as a contentious land ownership dispute continues to unfold in the High Court.

The families - many of whom worked on the farm for more than four decades - say they were forcibly removed two weeks ago following instructions from the farm's new owner, Erina Guzha, who claims lawful ownership of the property and says the occupants refused to pay rent.

The displaced residents, however, argue that they have lived and worked on the farm for most of their lives and were given no viable alternative accommodation after the eviction.

"I have nowhere to go. I was born and bred here. This is the only home I know," said one resident, Anna Mwale, who is now sleeping among belongings dumped at Trelawney Primary School.

Another evicted worker, Felix Toruvanda, accused the new owner of attempting to impose rental charges on long-term farm workers, calling the situation unfair and exploitative.

Guzha, meanwhile, maintains that the evictions were lawful and argues that he provided sufficient notice for residents to vacate the property. He says the removal of occupants followed his acquisition of the farm for approximately US$150,000, which he describes as a legitimate investment he now seeks to protect.

However, discrepancies have emerged regarding the transaction, with court documents indicating the farm may have been purchased for US$90,000 through an agent acting under power of attorney from the previous owners. Attempts to verify the figures with the intermediary have been unsuccessful.

The matter is now before the Chinhoyi High Court, where the evicted families are challenging the legality of the acquisition and subsequent removals.

The dispute has reignited broader debate around Zimbabwe's land reform programme, with critics arguing that many former farm workers—particularly those who remained on farms after ownership changes—have been left in legal and economic limbo.

The affected families, now temporarily sheltering at a school, say they are struggling to survive as winter conditions worsen, while the court case will determine whether they can return to the land or face permanent displacement.