A long-running land boundary dispute between Mukondo and Madanhire villages in Masvingo Rural District’s Ward 16 has taken a legal turn after Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (Cotrad) peace structures helped secure a one-year peace interdict from the Masvingo Magistrates Court.
The dispute, which dates back to the 1980s, involves contested boundaries between Mukondo, Madanhire, Chirambai and Matanda villages and has recently escalated into confrontations over land ownership and cultivation rights.
The matter was initially taken to Headman Chibwe, who referred it to Chief Murinye. The chief subsequently visited the area in an attempt to resolve the dispute.
However, some villagers said they were dissatisfied with the outcome, arguing that the matter had not been resolved fairly.
They also raised concerns over the absence of a clear map showing village boundaries and identifying households and fields falling under each area.
Cotrad peace structures subsequently supported an application for an interdict to prevent further confrontation while the dispute awaits a final determination by traditional authorities.
The applicant, Aleck Mukondo, who is part of a Cotrad peace structure, was granted the interdict by consent, with Madanhi Madanhire and Tambudzai Madanhire cited as respondents.
The court ordered the respondents to observe peace towards Mukondo and stop removing his poles pending a decision by the chief.
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The order, which is valid for one year, states: “Application is hereby granted by consent, respondent to observe peace towards the applicant at all times, respondent to stop taking away some applicant’s poles and wait for the chief’s decision.”
Cotrad said the interdict was intended to protect community peace and prevent further escalation of tensions between the affected communities.
The organisation called on traditional leaders and relevant government authorities to clearly demarcate the boundaries of Mukondo, Madanhire, Chirambai and Matanda villages and produce an official map to prevent similar disputes.
Cotrad said a transparent and peaceful resolution was needed to end decades of uncertainty over land boundaries and restore harmony among the affected communities.
