Harare Seeks Police Backup for Mabvuku-Tafara Land Invasion Crackdown

Harare - The City of Harare has formally requested Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) protection for a major enforcement operation targeting illegal land invasions and unauthorised developments in Mabvuku and Tafara suburbs scheduled for early September.

In a letter that recently became viral on social media, dated 14 July 2026 addressed to the Officer-in-Charge at Mabvuku Tafara Police Station in Harare East, Acting Director of Urban Planning Mr Samuel Nyabezi stated that the Development Control Section and relevant stakeholders intend to carry out enforcement action against illegal developments from 1 to 11 September 2026 starting at 8am.

“The Development Control Section and relevant stakeholders intends to carry out enforcement action against illegal developments (Land invasion and illegal activities) on the 01st to 11 September 2026 at 08:00am,” the letter reads.  

Nyabezi listed several affected sites in Tafara, including the Kugarika Kushinga Orphanage site and school site near John Tapera Street where illegal developments have taken place, the Rand Dutoit School site near Shelter Zimbabwe offices occupied by illegal structures, and open space under the Ginyard Housing Pay Scheme near land allocated to flood victims and those with disabilities, also taken over by illegal structures.

Illegal vending was also identified at Kamunhu Shopping Centre along Chizhanje Way and across all areas around Tafara Shopping Centre.  

In Mabvuku, the council cited illegal structures at Mabvuku Tafara Housing Pay Scheme Pure Gold Area and employee stands in Chizhanje, Tangitsara Housing Pay Scheme community centre and council buffer zones, Winchester Incorporated flat site, Eastdale Pay Scheme and Star Shine Housing Co-operative open space opposite Mabvuku ZRP.

Open spaces at Chinhamhora, Ginyard Housing Pay Scheme and Dzimbahwe Housing Pay Scheme were classified as land invasions.

“The occupiers were notified but have not complied,” the letter states, adding that all relevant equipment and manpower will be availed for the exercise.  

The planned operation forms part of a wider city-wide campaign against rampant land invasions that have intensified since around August 2023.

A recent town clerk’s report following a task force inspection of more than 22,000 sites across Harare identified widespread illegal occupation of open spaces, wetlands, school sites and land reserved for public facilities.

Mabvuku and Tafara were among the suburbs earmarked for further clearances alongside areas such as Budiriro, Kuwadzana, Glen View, Hopley and Hatcliffe. 

Authorities have warned that structures built on prohibited or protected land will not be spared.

More than 5,000 houses in high-density suburbs face demolition under existing High Court orders, while developments linked to land barons, politically connected individuals and organised groups remain a priority target.  

In recent weeks, the courts have already begun dealing with related cases. Two men from East View Park Phase 1 appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Courts facing charges of unauthorised development after allegedly seizing an open space designated as a wetland and buffer zone in Eastview Phase 7, Mabvuku, demarcating stands and selling them to home-seekers.  

The City of Harare has repeatedly advised that due process is being followed, with prior notifications issued to occupiers.

Local Government and Public Works Minister, Daniel Garwe, recently issued a final warning to land barons, headmen and illegal land dealers, directing that identified offenders face immediate arrest and prosecution as multi-agency enforcement teams are deployed.  

Council officials have maintained that the September operation in Mabvuku-Tafara is necessary to restore order, protect land reserved for schools, community facilities and environmental purposes and send a clear message that lawlessness will not be tolerated.