By Staff Writer
The demolition of housing structures on a 20-hectare piece of land in Stoneridge was completed yesterday, ending a seven-year dispute between a Chinese-born investor and illegal settlers who had occupied the property without authorisation.
The land is owned by Mr. Xinfeng Li, a naturalised Zimbabwean citizen who leased the property in 2017.
According to documents seen by this publication, Mr. Li holds valid title deeds and a lease agreement.
He also constructed a perimeter wall around the land prior to the illegal settlements.
Records show that eviction orders were issued to the occupants as far back as 2021, with repeated notices served over several years.
Council officials confirm that no lawful occupation agreement existed between the settlers and either the local authority or the landowner.
“Mr. Li followed due process throughout,” said a source close to the investor, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“He did not act unilaterally. Court orders were obtained, and occupants were given multiple warnings to vacate.”
Despite the legal notices, the number of informal structures on the land grew.
By the time demolition crews moved in this week, an estimated 150 families had settled on the property.
Following the demolitions, some displaced residents accused the government and the Harare City Council of failing to protect them.
A group of former occupants also directed criticism at ZANU PF, claiming the ruling party had not intervened on their behalf.
However, the source disputed this account, stating that the settlers had occupied the land without any political endorsement.
“They moved in knowing the land was privately leased. No ruling party structure authorised that,” the source said.
Mr. Li employs more than 2,000 people across his retail businesses in Zimbabwe.
Mr. Li has lived in Zimbabwe for an extended period and acquired citizenship through legal channels.
Insiders fro. Harare City Council confirmed that the demolitions were lawful.
“The land is not designated for residential occupation by the illegal settlers. Notices were issued, and the council acted within the law,”
