The Harare City Council finds itself embroiled in controversy once again, this time over a contentious land deal involving Stand 143 in Willowvale, leased to the Johanne Masowe Marimba church.
The situation has escalated to the High Court, where the local authority has been barred from interfering with the church’s occupancy of the land.
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Originally designated as a place of worship, Stand 143 Willowvale has become the center of a legal dispute between the Harare City Council and the Johanne Masowe Chishanu Jerusalem Baptist Church Marimba.
While the church holds a lease on the land until 2028 for worship purposes, the same parcel has been sold to Stoodblaze Private Limited, prompting tensions and legal actions.
Pressure from undisclosed sources allegedly led the Harare City Council to issue an eviction order, as confirmed in a letter dated 28th March 2024 signed by Engineer Zvenyika Chawatama, the Director of Works.
However, the church’s legal representatives, Zuze Law Chambers, argued that the church holds a valid lease with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, questioning the council’s authority to dispose of state land and the connection between Stoodblaze Private Limited and the council.
Seeking intervention, the Johanne Masowe Chishanu Jerusalem Baptist Church approached the High Court, filing an urgent chamber application on the 11th of April. The court granted relief, prohibiting the Harare City Council from demolishing any structures on the church site pending further legal proceedings.
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The case resumed in the High Court, with the council’s lawyers requesting an extension to gather necessary information. The matter is scheduled to reconvene on the 22nd of April, underscoring the complex legal battle surrounding the disputed land in Willowvale.
As the dispute unfolds, stakeholders await further developments and legal outcomes in this contentious matter.
