Harare City Council says so-called “land barons” are using forged documents and illegal occupation tactics to seize property. In a Town Clerk’s report cited by multiple outlets, the council describes cases where land invaders take over stands and then move quickly to secure control, including reports of weekend occupation and night-time invasions.
The council’s actions are part of a broader municipal programme targeting informal and unlawful housing arrangements. The report says Harare is demolishing more than 100 illegal settlements, while it also regularises thousands of other stands, indicating that the approach is not uniform across all areas. While both outlets relay the same core allegations and figures, they present them mainly as an update on the council’s enforcement and documentation claims rather than detailing specific suspects or the legal outcomes. The reports do not provide additional evidence or verification details beyond the council’s account.
