Community Tolerance Reconciliation Development (Cotrad) has escalated the contentious land dispute in Malipati ward 15, Chiredzi South, by formally requesting the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) to launch an immediate and comprehensive investigation into a contentious land dispute that has been brewing, pitting local villagers against the Malipati Famers Association, Chief Sengwe and Headman Manzini.
In a letter dated October 16, 2025, Cotrad asserted that the ongoing conflict, has led to a systematic breach of fundamental rights, including the rights to property, land, and administrative justice.
“The situation on the ground indicates serious and sustained violations of fundamental constitutional rights and human rights principles, necessitating immediate action from your esteemed office,” the letter, addressed to the ZHRC, stated.
The primary grievance centers on allegations that Headman Manzini has been coercing villagers to donate their ancestral and agricultural land to third parties.
The dispute has dramatically escalated with the installation of fencing and the hiring of private security guards, signaling the imminent, forceful eviction of an estimated 10 to 15 families.
Cotrad named several entities allegedly involved in the contentious land transactions, including the Malipati Farmers Association Ltd, Malipati Development Trust, Agrihub, and SATWILD.
The community members have accused specific individuals associated with these entities — James Dube, Stella Chabhanga, and the SATWILD director — of misusing their authority to facilitate the non-consensual transfer of communal land.
The communication meticulously highlights how the alleged actions violate multiple sections of the Zimbabwean constitution such as Section 72 (Rights to Agricultural Land), Section 71 (Right to Property), Section 68 (Administrative Justice).
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Crucially, the letter notes a failure by local authorities to ensure free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) or any meaningful consultation with the villagers before measures affecting their ancestral lands were adopted.
Cotrad also expressed deep concern over a recent ruling by the community court in relation to the dispute.
The court reportedly ordered one villager, Tazi Muchekelwa, to pay a fine of one herd of cattle for undermining traditional norms and authority.
This ruling appears to be an attempt to "punish and silence" victims attempting to defend their constitutional rights.
Cotrad urged the ZHRC to immediately launch an investigation, provide redress for the affected individuals, ensure accountability for those responsible, and issue an order to halt any further evictions or land-related activities until the dispute is resolved in accordance with human rights law and the constitution.
