A recent demolition drive by the Kariba Municipality has ignited fierce backlash, with residents accusing authorities of political victimization and unlawful action by destroying their shelter.
Last Tuesday, municipal workers armed with heavy machinery razed temporary structures in Kasese without court orders or prior notice, leaving tens of families homeless and belongings destroyed.
The targeted land was legally allocated in 2013, with many beneficiaries having paid for their stands and erected temporary shelters while awaiting formal development approval.
Despite this, the council proceeded with demolitions, citing violations of a resolution barring construction before infrastructure installation.
Residents allege the operation disproportionately targeted perceived ruling Zanu PF supporters.
“We were not given time to remove our belongings,” said one affected resident, whose cabin was demolished.
“We were simply labelled Zanu PF and punished.”
Another victim, Gracious Shonhai, had no kind words for the municipality.
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“These people are wicked,” Shonhai said.
“We are legitimate owners—we bought these stands over a decade ago.
“Some of our children were in primary school then; now they’re in university, yet nothing has been developed here.”
The Kariba Residents and Ratepayers Association (Kiarra) and Kariba Urban Residents Association (Kura) slammed the demolitions as inhumane and unlawful.
“This violates the right to shelter and due process,” said Kiarra chairperson Jane Jabulani.
“The council acted without consultation, reflecting a disturbing disregard for inclusive governance.”
Kasese Residents Association leader Jacob Magombedze echoed similar sentiments.
“Families are now homeless. The council’s heavy-handedness has worsened the crisis,” Magombedze said.
In October last year, the High Court had condemned the pervasive practice of demolishing residential properties by local authorities using outdated laws.
In a written judgment handed down on October 16, High Court judge Justice Never Katiyo ruled that the provisions of sections 32 and section 37 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act should be repealed.
Katiyo made the judgment in a case in which Chitungwiza municipality had relied on the law to issue a demolition orde
The Judge ruled that local authorities must follow due process and procedural safeguards provided in terms of section 74 of the constitution, which guarantees freedom from arbitrary eviction.
Kariba Ward 3 councillor, Robert Tabvunya, who chairs the housing committee, however, insisted the demolitions followed legal protocols after repeated warnings.
“The law took its course,” he claimed.
But residents remain defiant.
“We’re not squatters—we own these stands,” said one.
“The council has no court order to evict us. We’ll fight this.”
Luke Nyamadzawo, a Kasese beneficiary, accused the opposition-led council of political bias.
“Our councilors must serve the people, not persecute them,” Nyamadzawo said.
The incident has widened political rifts and eroded faith in local governance.
Affected families now demand compensation and accountability, as tensions threaten to boil over in Kariba.
With the municipality yet to issue an official statement, the community’s resolve and anger only grows stronger.
