Disabled Elderly Man Among Plot Holders Ordered to Vacate Irene Farm

MUTASA — An 87-year-old disabled man is among several plot holders at Irene Farm in Mutasa District who have been ordered to vacate their land by Wednesday 2 July.

The directive follows a land dispute involving developer Ferro Consulting, whose actions have sparked legal pushback and community concern.

Charles Mukosera, a disabled man who uses a wheelchair and has lost both feet, one hand, and several fingers, is among the most vulnerable facing removal.

Despite owning the smallest plot and offering a portion of his land to settle development costs—reportedly valued at US$26,000—Mukosera has been served notice to leave.

The conflict stems from a 20 December 2024 ruling at the High Court in Mutare, where plot holders were directed to vacate after signing a deed of settlement with Ferro Consulting.

Residents claim they were pressured into the agreement under duress, having waited from 9am to 5pm while legal negotiations occurred behind closed doors without their input.

According to InsiderZim, six plot holders filed an application on 11 June to rescind the court order, citing procedural irregularities.

Eviction notices were issued to four of them the next day, followed by notices to six more on 25 June—including those who had not contested the ruling or had offered land in lieu of cash payment.

Residents argue that the developer appears more interested in taking over entire plots than recovering alleged development costs.

They also allege that Ferro Consulting failed to provide basic services despite demanding hefty fees for title deeds.

Mukosera, who turns 88 in two months, continues to hope that legal relief might intervene. Meanwhile, local leaders and lawyers have raised alarms over the treatment of elderly and disabled residents in rural land disputes.