Own Correspondent

Accusations have surfaced against Masvingo Provincial Minister of State and Devolution, Ezra Ruvai Chadzamira, alleging that he’s leveraging his governmental authority to claim a 5-hectare plot from a widow in Masvingo.

This move is purportedly to facilitate the construction of his private elite school.

The plot in question, Plot 1 in Morning side, located approximately six kilometers from Masvingo’s city center along the old Great Zimbabwe ruins road, is being contested by Chadzamira, who allegedly aims to seize it despite the Mutseste family having occupied it for over two decades.

Following the passing of David Mutsetse, the property owner, last year, his widow, Farai Mutsetse, and their three children inherited his properties, including Plot 1.

Records from the Masvingo city council’s engineering department indicate that the family obtained permission to develop the plot in 2009 under the regional town and country planning Act of 1976. They invested significantly in developing a residential home and running a successful agricultural venture on the land.

Chadzamira’s purported plan to evict the Mutsetse family and proceed with the construction of his private school has caused unrest.

According to the family spokesperson, Clever Mutisi, Chadzamira allegedly claimed ownership of the plot, citing government acquisition. Despite the family’s engagement of legal counsel to seek clarity on the matter, progress has been elusive, with both council and government officials maintaining secrecy.

This isn’t the first time Chadzamira has faced accusations of appropriating land, as in 2016, he reportedly seized Cresta Ibeka farm from an elderly white woman, Yvonne Goddard, who had resided there for over 45 years. Despite community protests and calls for the farm’s return to Goddard for continued productivity, Chadzamira’s actions have led to its decline.

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