Local government Minister Saviour Kasukuwere says government is “probing” Southlea Park land ownership with the aim of establishing the real owner of Odar farm which Zanu PF central committee member Phillip Chiyangwa is demanding over $45 million in compensation from 8000 residents.
Chiyangwa who has since given the residents 14 day notices to either pay him $5000 per house hold or risk eviction, on 2 January influenced the police to block them (residents) from holding a meeting on which they wanted to deliberate on the eviction threats.
The residents who are resisting compensating Chiyangwa are contemplating to take the case to the High court seeking for clarity over the land ownership.
Responding to questions raised by reporters on who owes the farm which Chiyangwa is claiming to be his Kasukuwere dodged the question saying government was handling the issue.
“This is an issue which is receiving attention from the state in terms of the actual ownership and I think we will not want to comment now because it is a matter that we are looking at and certainly we are aware that Southlea Park deserves our attention and that is what we are going to be doing,”said Kasukuwere.
Chiyangwa controversially took over the land which was being   superintended by Odar Housing Development Project a consortium of 56 companies in September last year.
The controversial Odar Farm was acquired by the government on June 16 2006 under deed of transfer 816/65 under government’s Garikai /Hlalani Kuhle programme.