City Council Flattens Popular Milton Park Eatery Over Illegal Operations
HARARE — Harare City Council has demolished illegal extensions at Ngezi Restaurant in Milton Park, citing violations of urban development laws.
The well-known establishment was operating from a residential property without proper authorisation, making it a target in the city’s ongoing effort to curb unlawful commercial activities.
The demolition took place on Thursday morning as part of a wider blitz against unauthorised structures across the capital.
By the time journalists arrived at the site, council officers had already left, but the aftermath was clear—tables, chairs, and the dismantled kitchen lay strewn across the yard, evidence of a swift and decisive intervention.
At the entrance, visibly shaken workers turned away customers, directing them to Ngezi’s other branch in Eastlea. Several employees sat quietly on the ground while others buried their faces in their hands, struggling to process the turn of events.
One man, believed to be the owner, declined to engage with the press, saying only: “Yes, Harare City demolished our structures, but we’re not going to give any comment. You can leave.”
When The Herald visited the scene, the operation had already concluded. However, sources close to the council confirmed that the action was part of a broader campaign targeting land invasion and improper land use.
Similar demolitions, they revealed, have also taken place recently in areas such as Waterfalls.
While Harare City Council spokesperson Mr Stanley Gama stated he was yet to receive a full briefing, insiders indicated that the Milton Park operation is one of many planned across residential zones that have been illegally converted into commercial premises without regulatory compliance.
