Yesha
Senior Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 100
- 45
HARARE City Council has warned that it will not regularise land invasions in low-density suburbs, with illegal houses and structures being built on grabbed land set for demolition.
According to an internal report on the regularisation and demolition of illegal structures compiled by the Town Clerk and cited by The Herald, council has drawn a clear distinction between illegal settlements in low-density and high-density areas.
In high-density areas, some settlements may be considered for regularisation, provided they are not located on land reserved for essential public services such as schools, clinics and other community facilities.
However, only settlements established before September 24, 2023 may qualify for consideration. Council said invasions that took place from 2024 onwards will be demolished.
The council also warned against the abuse of housing cooperatives and pay schemes, saying these were established to help low-income earners access residential stands and should not be used as a cover for land grabs.
“Housing Pay Schemes and Cooperatives were established for the low-income earners, and council shall not regularise invasion of land in low-density areas by land barons under the disguise of housing cooperative and/or pay scheme,” the report states.
Council said land barons and other illegal developers have adopted new tactics to avoid enforcement, including invading land during weekends and at night, quickly putting up structures and moving occupants onto the properties before demolition teams can respond.
According to the report, coordinated land invasions intensified around August 2023 and involve a mix of politicians from across the political divide, land barons and individual invaders.
Some people are also reportedly occupying land that has already been allocated or leased to other beneficiaries who are still making payments while waiting for the regularisation of their properties.
“All these illegal developments shall be demolished,” the report states.
Council has also raised concern over the use of fraudulent documents to claim ownership of land.
According to the report, some land invaders in medium- and low-density areas are allegedly using forged offer letters, agreements of sale and title deeds containing scanned or falsified signatures.
Council said suspected fake documents are being reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, while structures built on the basis of such documents will be demolished after due process.
Demolitions have already started in some low-density areas as the local authority seeks to restore order and prevent further illegal development.
Council said it would not tolerate the abuse of the Cooperative Act or the Parallel Development Concept by land barons and politically connected individuals.
“Council shall continue to deal decisively with all invasion and illegal developments without fear and favour,” the report states.
Meanwhile, council is mapping areas that could qualify for regularisation under the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act [Chapter 29:12].
Residents have been urged to exercise caution when purchasing residential stands and to verify the status of land directly with Harare City Council before making payments or beginning construction.
The warning is aimed at preventing residents from losing their savings and property after purchasing land that may have been illegally acquired or developed.
Council's position comes amid continued concern over illegal land sales and settlements in and around Harare, where land disputes involving housing cooperatives, developers, residents and politically connected individuals have become increasingly common.
Authorities are now urging prospective home owners to conduct proper checks before committing their money to any residential stand.
According to an internal report on the regularisation and demolition of illegal structures compiled by the Town Clerk and cited by The Herald, council has drawn a clear distinction between illegal settlements in low-density and high-density areas.
In high-density areas, some settlements may be considered for regularisation, provided they are not located on land reserved for essential public services such as schools, clinics and other community facilities.
However, only settlements established before September 24, 2023 may qualify for consideration. Council said invasions that took place from 2024 onwards will be demolished.
The council also warned against the abuse of housing cooperatives and pay schemes, saying these were established to help low-income earners access residential stands and should not be used as a cover for land grabs.
“Housing Pay Schemes and Cooperatives were established for the low-income earners, and council shall not regularise invasion of land in low-density areas by land barons under the disguise of housing cooperative and/or pay scheme,” the report states.
Council said land barons and other illegal developers have adopted new tactics to avoid enforcement, including invading land during weekends and at night, quickly putting up structures and moving occupants onto the properties before demolition teams can respond.
According to the report, coordinated land invasions intensified around August 2023 and involve a mix of politicians from across the political divide, land barons and individual invaders.
Some people are also reportedly occupying land that has already been allocated or leased to other beneficiaries who are still making payments while waiting for the regularisation of their properties.
“All these illegal developments shall be demolished,” the report states.
Council has also raised concern over the use of fraudulent documents to claim ownership of land.
According to the report, some land invaders in medium- and low-density areas are allegedly using forged offer letters, agreements of sale and title deeds containing scanned or falsified signatures.
Council said suspected fake documents are being reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, while structures built on the basis of such documents will be demolished after due process.
Demolitions have already started in some low-density areas as the local authority seeks to restore order and prevent further illegal development.
Council said it would not tolerate the abuse of the Cooperative Act or the Parallel Development Concept by land barons and politically connected individuals.
“Council shall continue to deal decisively with all invasion and illegal developments without fear and favour,” the report states.
Meanwhile, council is mapping areas that could qualify for regularisation under the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act [Chapter 29:12].
Residents have been urged to exercise caution when purchasing residential stands and to verify the status of land directly with Harare City Council before making payments or beginning construction.
The warning is aimed at preventing residents from losing their savings and property after purchasing land that may have been illegally acquired or developed.
Council's position comes amid continued concern over illegal land sales and settlements in and around Harare, where land disputes involving housing cooperatives, developers, residents and politically connected individuals have become increasingly common.
Authorities are now urging prospective home owners to conduct proper checks before committing their money to any residential stand.
