Suburban
A retired St Peter’s Anglican Church caretaker and his family have finally vacated the church premises in Mabelreign after the City of Harare gave him an ultimatum to leave the church where he has been camped for more than a month.
Diana Nherera Suburban Reporter
The City of Harare served the Madziyire family an eviction letter and gave them up to Wednesday last week to vacate from the St Peter’s Anglican church premises in Mabelreign.
The letter from the director of works seen by Suburban gave Mr Madziyire and his family an ultimatum to remove their belongings or risk having their property impounded and having to pay a penalty.
“Take notice that you are using and or occupying council land illegally as you do not have either a lease with or permission from council.
“Further take notice that within 48 hours from service of this notice upon you must depart from the (said) land, remove all your property, remove any structures and remove any rubble from the land,” read the letter.
Council said failure to comply would result in the municipality demolishing any illegal structures and the Madziyire family would be made to pay for expenses incurred.
“Impounded goods may be claimed after 48 hours of their impoundment upon payment of administrative costs and storage charge,” council said in the letter.
Mrs Petronella Madziyire told Suburban at the time of publishing that they had removed some of their belongings and will be staying with a neighbour.
Mr Madziyire and his family have been camped outside the church premises following a dispute with his employer, the church over his retirement package.
They are still appealing for assistance and can be contacted on 0774 001 402.
Well-wishers can channel funds to Ecocash number 0774 001 402.
Meanwhile, former Ward 16 Councillor Mr Denford Ngadziore and Harare West legislator Ms Joana Mamombe said they are looking for temporary accommodation for the family.
“We have reached an agreement to look for a temporary place.
“Mr Madziyire is currently living with his wife and two sons, an Ordinary Level student and an IT university third year student.
“The children need electricity and internet to access their online lessons and lectures,” the former councillor and MP said in a statement. They are appealing for residents of Harare West constituency to consider employing Mr Madziyire as a caretaker.
“Let’s come together as a community and assist Sekuru Madziyire and his family so that they have a decent home until their case is finalised.”
