The High Court of Zimbabwe has nullified the sale of residential land in Kadoma, a ruling that affects approximately 50 families who purchased properties from a real estate firm. The judgment, delivered by Justice J. Muchawa in Harare, found that the seller, Parameter Investments (Pvt) Limited, did not hold legal title to the land it had sold to the homebuyers.
According to the court’s decision, all sale agreements between Parameter Investments and the individuals who purchased the stands are void. The ruling centered on the legal principle that a seller cannot transfer ownership rights they do not possess. Justice Muchawa’s findings established that because Parameter Investments was not the legitimate owner of the land, it could not legally confer title to the buyers.
The decision places the homeowners, many of whom have already constructed houses on the plots, in an uncertain legal position. Their claims to the properties, based on their purchase agreements with Parameter Investments, have been invalidated by the court. Consequently, the residents could face eviction, as their homes are situated on land that the court has affirmed belongs to another entity.
The case underscores the issue of property ownership and title verification in real estate transactions. The court did not provide immediate guidance on potential recourse for the affected families who had invested in the land and construction.
As of this report, a public statement has not been issued by Parameter Investments (Pvt) Limited in response to the High Court’s ruling. Information regarding the next steps for the affected homeowners or action to be taken by the legally recognized landowner has not been made available. The identity of the party confirmed by the court to be the rightful owner was not specified in the initial judgment summary.
