HARARE– A Harare teacher has been convicted and fined US$100 for contempt of court after disregarding a court order barring her from constructing on a disputed residential stand in Spitzkop,Express Mail Zim can report.
Sylvia Vavirai appeared before Harare magistrate Artwell Sanyatwe and was given an alternative of 30 days’ imprisonment if she fails to pay the fine.
The court heard that Vavirai and Philista Mujuru are locked in a dispute over stand number 2342, Spitzkop Lot 14, with the matter pending finalisation at the Civil Court under case reference NTNCG 248/25.
Despite an interim relief order granted on December 11 last year interdicting her from erecting any permanent structure on the stand, Vavirai proceeded with construction. The court heard the order was served on her lawyer on the same day.
She was arrested for contempt of court on December 12.
Vavirai had claimed to be the rightful owner of the stand, saying she bought it from one Sarah Manhize. Mujuru, who presented paperwork, is alleged to be the legitimate owner. The court granted an order barring Vavirai from setting foot on the stand.
In mitigation, Vavirai pleaded for leniency, telling the court she was a single mother who had borrowed money from her employer to pay legal fees.
Vevhu Resources general manager Khumbulani Magama, the developer of the area, said outside court that Vavirai had been advised to engage the company for allocation of an undisputed stand.
He warned against relying on unregistered land dealers and misinformation.
“Some of these groups claim that the Uchena Commission authorised the repossession of the land in question. The correct position is that the Commission made several recommendations, amongst which were that in some deserving projects, the issuance of necessary permits be expedited to pave way for proper development,” Magama said.
“The issuance of permits to Vevhu Resources in July 2022 was partly in line with the Commission’s recommendations.”
Magama stressed that the Commission’s report remains a recommendation until gazetted into law.
“It is wrong for these errant associations to try and make people believe that the Uchena Commission is now law,” he said.
He urged those seeking to regularise their stay to approach Vevhu Resources at 257 Samora Machel Avenue, opposite Longchen.
“Do everything to protect your legacy as an individual. Do not let misguided advice lead you into debt and court troubles,” he said.
