THE main opposition MDC-T has condemned the demolitions of so-called illegal housing structures in Epworth and other parts of Greater Harare, describing them as an inhuman act.
MOSES MATENGA
“The MDC condemns the on-going demolition of people’s homes and other property in Chitungwiza in blatant violation of the Constitution. Hundreds of homes have been destroyed in the dormitory town by the Zanu PF government, leaving thousands of people homeless when the Constitution clearly identifies shelter as a basic human right,” the MDC-T said in a statement yesterday.
“A true people’s government protects people’s rights and does not violate the same rights it is supposed to protect in line with the country’s Constitution. The new Constitution is very explicit that homes and property cannot be demolished in the absence of a court order.”
The party said its councillors in Chitungwiza and Epworth did not condone the demolitions.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) yesterday filed an urgent High Court chamber application to stop the demolition.
ZLHR representative Tonderai Bhatasara told NewsDay that the sought-after interdict was targeting the Epworth Local Board, Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo, Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri, Home Affairs minister Kembo Mohadi and Prosecutor-General Johannes Tomana.
“We are seeking an interdict so that they are stopped from evicting people from the area,” Bhatasara said.
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“These people [respondents] do not have a court order and that is arbitrary evictions. People’s homes are being demolished without notice, people are being injured, the sick are sleeping in the open,” he said.
“We are discending into lawlessness where police and other bodies collude to violate the rights of people,” he added.
Police last Friday fought running battles with residents when the demolitions started in Epworth and Chitungwiza, leaving several residents homeless.
