Mnangagwa Steps In After House Demolitions In Hopely And Stoneridge

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has ordered the National Employment Council (NEC), the lawful owners of land in Hopely and Stoneridge, Harare, to stop demolishing houses following public outcry.

Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe said on Wednesday that the President acted after seeing reports and social media images of homes being torn down. Said Garwe:

“The President saw what was happening on social media and directed me that the demolitions in Hopely and Stoneridge be stopped forthwith.

“Government is clear on its stance; no one should have his or her house demolished, and if it happens, please just come and tell us so that we deal with them accordingly.”

At least 54 households in the two high-density suburbs were reportedly affected by the demolitions, which the NEC said were to make way for an industrial project.

It’s claimed that, as of yesterday, no court order had been issued to authorise the demolitions.

Minister Garwe added that the demolitions went against the Government’s development goals and people-focused policies.

More: The Herald

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