Zimbabwe High Court: Paragon Real Estate's Kadoma Land Sales Nullified

• The High Court has nullified all transactions between Paragon Real Estate and over 50 homeowners in Kadoma.
• The court found that Paragon Real Estate never acquired any right, title, interest or lawful authority over the disputed land.
• Homeowners who purchased stands from Paragon Real Estate are advised to engage directly with Balwearie Holdings (Private) Limited to regularise their position.
• Failure to comply with the court's decision may lead to further legal consequences, including eviction.

The High Court has delivered a landmark ruling that has left over 50 families in Kadoma facing eviction after it was found that the land on which their houses were built does not belong to Paragon Real Estate, a real estate firm that sold them stands. The court's decision nullifies all transactions between the real estate firm and the homeowners, rendering their purchases invalid. This ruling has significant implications for property rights in Zimbabwe, highlighting the importance of verifying ownership before making any land purchases.

The High Court's decision is based on a Deed of Transfer No. 4110/92, which shows that Paragon Real Estate never acquired any right, title, interest or lawful authority over the immovable property known as the remainder of Westhey of Sabonabon Estate, Kadoma. This ruling sets a precedent for future cases involving land ownership and sales in Zimbabwe, emphasizing the need for thorough due diligence when purchasing property. The court's interdiction of Paragon Real Estate and its directors from advertising or selling any stands on the disputed property further underscores the importance of respecting court decisions.

The High Court's ruling has far-reaching consequences for homeowners who purchased stands from Paragon Real Estate. Lawyers advising clients in this situation should advise them to engage directly with Balwearie Holdings (Private) Limited, the legitimate owners of the disputed land, to regularise their position and respect the court's decision. Failure to do so may lead to further legal consequences, including eviction. This case highlights the need for property buyers to verify ownership before making any purchases, and for sellers to ensure that they have the necessary authority to sell the property.

Lawyers advising clients who purchased stands from Paragon Real Estate should advise them to engage directly with Balwearie Holdings (Private) Limited to regularise their position and respect the High Court's decision, as trespassing or interfering with the property may lead to further legal consequences.

Source: Original reporting via AllAfrica Zimbabwe