Norton Eviction Order Blocked: 800 Families Breath...

Norton Eviction Order Blocked: 800 Families Breathe a Sigh of Relief

Philemon Jambaya

A Zimbabwean High Court judge has thrown a lifeline to 800 families in Norton, Mashonaland West, who were facing imminent eviction from their homes. Justice Rogers Manyangadze issued an order on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, barring government officials from carrying out the eviction without a proper court order.

The families, comprising former farm workers and their kin, reside on Skea Farm, which was acquired by the government during the land reform program On January 11, they were threatened with eviction within three days by officials from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, accompanied by police and environmental agency personnel.

The purported evictions, allegedly ordered by President Emmerson Mnangagwa himself, sparked panic and uncertainty among the residents. However, they refused to back down without a fight. Represented by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, they filed an urgent application challenging the legality of the move.

Their arguments were compelling. The families had occupied the houses since their time as employees of the previous farm owner, Martin Skea. They had been paying dues and rates to the government and district authorities, demonstrating their rightful place on the land.

Furthermore, they highlighted the blatant disregard for due process. No court order, as mandated by the Constitution, was presented to justify the eviction. Their age and lack of alternative accommodation in the midst of the rainy season added a humanitarian dimension to their plea.

Judge Manyangadze recognized these concerns. He ruled in favour of the families, barring the government officials from evicting them without a valid court order. This decision serves as a temporary reprieve and a crucial step towards protecting their rights and preventing a potential housing crisis.

The Norton eviction saga raises several questions about land reform implementation, transparency, and respect for legal processes. The government's opaque and heavy-handed approach raises concerns about potential abuse of power and the plight of vulnerable communities.

While the immediate threat of eviction has been averted, the families' future on Skea Farm remains uncertain. The court order offers them breathing space, but the underlying land dispute needs a transparent and just resolution. The fight for secure housing and due process continues for these 800 families in Norton, Zimbabwe.