Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE Municipality of Marondera has revealed that its move to allocate residential stands at the contentious Elmswood Farm was affected after a local farmer claiming ownership of the same piece of land destroyed pegs.
Marondera council is currently embroiled in a bitter ownership wrangle with farmer and war veteran John Fadzisayi Jani, with the latter claiming to be the legit owner of Elmswood Farm.
Another property and land developing company, Swandev Pvt Ltd, is also claiming ownership of the same farm.
According to the latest full council minutes, the local authority has resolved to engage Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Itai Ndudzo to stop Jani from farming at Elmswood.
As of June 30, according to council minutes, more than US$1,6 million has been collected from home-seekers with allocation of residential stands being hindered by destroyed pegs.
“The director of housing reported that for the period under review, 827 stands were allocated, interviews were conducted for government employees, and the remaining staff members for the Elmswood Housing Scheme,” the minutes read.
“It was also reported that as at June 30, 2025, a total of 6km of road has been opened and a total of US$1 628 222,66 has been received.
“He also highlighted that the majority of good stands fell under the area that was being farmed, and as a result, most of the pegs had been lost or destroyed. He thus proposed that the pegs be re-constructed to help identify the stands.”
It was revealed that Marondera town clerk Rinashe Nyamuzihwa has engaged government to stop Jani from farming.
“The house sought to know when the issues would be resolved to allow beneficiaries to be allocated their stands,” the minutes read.
“It was also highlighted that the farmer should not be allowed to farm during the upcoming season since it would mean delays in allocating the stands.
“The chamber secretary explained that the town clerk was seized of the matter and had been engaging the Honourable Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution.
“It was, therefore, agreed that the matter of reconstruction of destroyed or lost pegs at Elmswood Housing Scheme be referred to the works and environmental management.”
However, Jani insists that he is the legitimate owner of the farm.
He says the issue is before the courts and it is now up to the courts to give a determination.
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