HARARE – The chilling sound of bulldozers tearing through homes in Stoneridge, in Harare South, has once again echoed across Zimbabwe, leaving thousands of residents devastated and homeless. What began as a government-sanctioned operation to clear “illegal settlements on disputed land” has, according to our investigation, unveiled a far more sinister truth: a high-stakes land grab orchestrated by powerful “land barons” with deep connections within the government. This is not merely an issue of urban planning; it is a profound betrayal of trust and a stark illustration of the human cost of Zimbabwe’s ongoing land wars.
Recent demolitions, which intensified from late last month, saw families watching in horror as their life savings, invested in homes built over years, were reduced to rubble within hours. The timing of these operations, in the biting cold of the Zimbabwean winter, has drawn widespread condemnation and raised serious questions about the humanitarian considerations of the authorities involved. Reports indicate that these demolitions proceeded despite existing court orders, further highlighting the impunity with which these actions are carried out.
At the heart of the “Stoneridge Secret” lies a complex web of deceit and corruption. Investigations reveal that many residents were sold “fake” title deeds by politically connected individuals who have since vanished with their money. These fraudulent documents, though appearing legitimate, were never properly registered with the Deeds Office, rendering them worthless. This systemic fraud has left thousands vulnerable, with no legal recourse and no protection against the sudden and brutal loss of their homes. Shelter Zimbabwe, a prominent housing rights organisation, has consistently accused land barons of illegally subdividing and selling housing stands to unsuspecting home seekers, often with the complicity of rogue council or government officials.
The real conspiracy, however, extends beyond the initial land scams. Sources suggest that the cleared land in Stoneridge is earmarked for a multi-million, potentially US$1 billion, commercial project. This ambitious undertaking is reportedly backed by foreign investors, with Labenmon Investments, a Chinese-backed entity, emerging as a key player. Labenmon Investments has been linked to the illegal occupation of land in Stoneridge as early as June 2024, with allegations of being accompanied by armed police details during their operations. Mr. Thomas Chidzomba, a local representative for Labenmon Investments, who is also the ZANU PF Chinhoyi Constituency Shadow MP, has been identified in connection with the establishment of a cement or steel-related plant in the region, suggesting the nature of the commercial development planned for the disputed land.
The involvement of a “syndicate of six individuals” in the forgery of title deeds has been a recurring theme in reports concerning land fraud in Zimbabwe. While specific names directly linked to the Stoneridge demolitions remain elusive in public records, some names have frequently been associated with land baron activities across the country. These powerful individuals operate with apparent impunity, often receiving “protection” from law enforcement agencies, and are rarely brought to justice despite stealing millions from the poor. This network of land barons exploits the desperation of home seekers, capitalising on the acute housing shortage in urban areas.
The human cost of these demolitions is immeasurable. Families, including women, children, and war veterans, are now living in the open, exposed to the harsh winter elements. Their pleas for urgent intervention from the government and local authorities have largely gone unanswered, leaving them in a precarious state with no immediate alternative accommodation, shelter, security, or access to basic services. The emotional and psychological toll on these victims is profound, as they grapple with the sudden loss of their homes and the uncertainty of their future.
“The sound of bulldozers wasn’t just houses falling; it was the sound of lives being shattered,” recounted one distraught resident, whose identity has been withheld for their safety. “We bought these stands with our life savings, believing we were securing a future for our children. Now, where do they expect us to go in this cold?” These heart-wrenching testimonies paint a grim picture of a community in crisis, struggling to comprehend the injustice inflicted upon them.
These demolitions also raise critical questions about the political timing. Why now? Who stands to gain the most from this “cleansing” of the suburb? The pattern of such operations often coincides with periods of political manoeuvring or economic restructuring, where vulnerable communities are displaced to make way for lucrative commercial ventures. The Uchena Commission of Inquiry, established to investigate urban land administration, has previously exposed what could be one of Zimbabwe’s largest urban land scandals, revealing widespread irregularities and corruption.
For those considering purchasing property in Zimbabwe’s “new” suburbs, the Stoneridge tragedy serves as a grave warning. Protecting oneself from land scams requires vigilance and due diligence. Here is a checklist to help prospective homeowners avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes:
- Verify Ownership with the Deeds Office: Always confirm the legal ownership of the land with the Deeds Office. This is the most crucial step to ensure the title deed is authentic and properly registered.
- Engage a Registered Conveyancer: Utilise the services of a reputable and registered conveyancer. They possess the expertise to conduct thorough due diligence and navigate the complexities of property law.
- Check the “Parent Deed”: For subdivided properties, insist on seeing and verifying the “parent deed” of the original larger piece of land. This helps confirm the legitimacy of the subdivision.
- Beware of “Politically Connected” Sellers: Exercise extreme caution when dealing with individuals who claim political connections but cannot provide proper paperwork or transparent documentation. This is a common red flag for fraudulent operations.
The Stoneridge demolitions are a stark reminder of the ongoing land wars in Zimbabwe and the profound impact they have on ordinary citizens. This investigative piece aims to give a voice to the voiceless, exposing the hidden hands behind the demolitions and shedding light on the systemic issues that continue to plague land administration in the country. The quest for justice for the victims of Stoneridge continues, as does the urgent need for accountability for those who profit from their misery.