By MUNAMBEZA MUWANEI –
ABOUT 17 families in Pemba District have been left homeless after the Livingstone High Court issued an order directing them to vacate Mungoni area on the boundary with Monze.
This was in a matter in which Fair Kazoka sued the families for illegal occupation of his land which was under his title.
Following the court directive Zambia Police officers yesterday accompanied by court bailiffs swung into action around 04:00hours and ordered the families to remove their household property in readiness for the demolition of the structures.
By press time, the villagers were spotted packing their belongings.
The evictions have brought fear among the squatters who have been living in the Mungoni area since the 1960s.
Pemba District Commissioner Reginald Mugoba who confirmed the evictions to the Times yesterday said his office was looking for tents to provide shelter for the affected families.
“The court order was issued six months ago and they were ordered to leave the area this morning but we are now trying to organise some tents to see how we can accommodate them,” Mr Mugoba said.
Efforts to get a comment from Southern Province Police chief, Godwin Phiri proved futile as he was reportedly locked up in a meeting.
