Cornered And Under Pressure: Breakaway Zevic Factions Seek Way Back As Clients Demand Stands

Online Reporter

HARARE – A BITTER dispute within Zevic Private Limited, a housing development project in Nyabira has taken a dramatic new turn, with two breakaway factions reportedly seeking to regain entry into the original company they left several years ago amid disagreements over land acquisition and project management.

The latest legal developments have reignited questions among prospective home owners, many of whom are anxiously seeking clarity over the status of their stands and the legitimacy of competing claims being made by various groups operating under the Zevic banner.

According to officials from Zevic Tagarika Investments Private Limited, led by Secretary General and Chief executive officer, Michael Changadzo, the two factions associated with Israel Gada and Samuel Joel Muzhamba also known as Khumalo have approached the courts challenging their separation from the original company structure.

The move comes after years of legal battles involving former colleagues who once operated under the same umbrella of Zevic Private Limited, before disagreements led to the formation of separate entities.

At the centre of the dispute is the ownership and administration of land earmarked for housing development in Nyabira. Zevic Tagarika Investments Private Limited, represented by Changadzo and other remaining directors, currently holds the official documentation relating to the project, including the offer letter and development map issued through the relevant authorities.

The company says the roots of the dispute can be traced back to disagreements over land offered through Government channels under the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in 2023 .

While some directors led by Changadzo accepted the land that had been made available and proceeded with administrative processes, the two factions of Gada and Muzhamba – Khumalo allegedly rejected the arrangement and subsequently chose to pursue separate paths, as they wanted the land to be sold to a private land developer and pocket the money for their self interests.

The divisions eventually resulted in the emergence of separate organisations operating independently from the original structure with the Gada faction operating as Zevic Chitangazuva with offices in Milton Park and Harare CBD and Muzhamba – Khumalo operating as Mashvick with offices at Whitecliff known ad White House along Bulawayo Road.

The Changadzo faction remained at the Project site office and the Nyabira Office at Nyabira service centre and remained with the original name Zevic Private Limited and the land.

Members of the break away factions include, among them, Joe Chimonyo, Deliwe Muvhuti, Solomon Nasho ,Simbarashe Munemo, Engineer Kazingizi ,John Hokoyo,Batsirai Maposa,Tawanda Mudede, Patrick Kapitapita,Shingirai Siraha,Luke Mutungwazi and Charles Sithole.

As Changadzo, Sando Kano, and other directors were busy regularising the papers work for the land, the Gada and Muzhamba-Khumalo factions were using their rebel companies of Zevic Chitangazuva and Mashvick Pvt Ltd to allegey swindle unsuspecting prospecting house owners of thieir hard earned cash selling them land they did not have or have title to.

They allegedly started to double allocating stands on Zevic Takagarika Private Limited land and that of Valley Seed, and at times clients are being allocated stands at night and instructed to immediately fence the place, or start construction work, and also reportedly raided company bank accounts.

They reportedly used some of the money to fight, Changadzo and other directors trying to wrestle the offer letter of the land which now belongs to Zevic Tagarika Investments Private Limited and the matters are still pending the High Court.

For prospective home owners, the ongoing dispute has created confusion and uncertainty. Questions continue to be raised regarding stand allocations, project administration and which organisation possesses the legal authority to allocate residential stands within the Nyabira development area.

Changadzo’s faction argues that the legal position has become increasingly clear as the regularisation process advances.

According to him, surveying preparations are underway while stand numbering exercises are already in progress under the framework of Zevic Tagarika Investments Private Limited.

Changadzo faction insists that citizens seeking to purchase stands in Nyabira and their housing project, must conduct thorough due diligence before parting with their money.

Housing experts have repeatedly warned prospective buyers across Zimbabwe to verify ownership documents, development permits, subdivision approvals and allocation authority before entering into property transactions. Failure to do so often exposes home seekers to lengthy disputes and financial losses.

The Zevic dispute has also played out extensively before the courts since 2023, with all sides accusing each other of wrongdoing and pursuing various legal remedies. Several matters remain before the courts while others have been concluded.

Speaking after a recent court appearance, Changadzo said his organisation remained focused on developing the project rather than engaging in endless disputes.

“We have been in the courts since 2023. There is nothing that does not come to an end. Some of these matters are reaching their conclusion and we remain focused on serving our members and beneficiaries,” he said.

Changadzo said his company’s confidence stems from what it describes as legally recognised documentation governing the project.

“We have all the papers in the name of Zevic Tagarika Investments Private Limited. The development map is already out and the numbering process is progressing. These are matters that can be verified through the relevant offices that administer land allocation and development,” he said.

He added that beneficiaries who were allocated stands during the period when the company was still operating as a united entity in 2023 would continue to benefit under the current project framework.

At the same time, Changadzo urged individuals who may have concerns regarding their allocations to approach company offices in Nyabira for verification and regularisation.

The Nyabira housing dispute serves as a cautionary tale for thousands of Zimbabweans seeking residential stands in an increasingly competitive property market. As land values continue to rise and housing demand grows, buyers are being urged to prioritise documentary verification over verbal assurances.

Industry observers note that where competing groups emerge claiming authority over the same project, prospective purchasers should insist on examining official documentation and confirming ownership status through the appropriate Government offices before making payments.

While the courts continue to determine the outstanding legal questions, one issue remains beyond dispute, aspiring home owners must exercise extreme caution when dealing with any housing development and ensure every transaction is supported by verifiable legal documentation.

For many families hoping to build their dream homes in Nyabira, the ultimate concern is not the corporate rivalry itself but obtaining certainty that the land they are paying for is backed by lawful authority and recognised ownership.
As the legal contest continues, prospective buyers will be watching closely for clarity, accountability and a resolution that protects their investments and housing aspirations- Ends