Community Outrage as Elderly Man (73) is Evicted After Decades in Epworth

A 78-year-old man and his family have been forced to live by the roadside after being evicted from their home in Epworth by a landowner.

Fanuel Moyo, who depends on a catheter for medical reasons, was arrested last Wednesday by officers from Domboramwari Police Station. The arrest followed accusations that he had been using a toilet on the property from which he was evicted by Christine Bettina Singini.

Moyo, now homeless, has been appealing to the community for assistance.

The eviction stems from an ongoing land dispute with Singini, who asserts ownership over the property, including the area where Moyo had constructed his home in Tadzikamidzi Rushinga Branch, Ward 7, Epworth. She contends that Moyo was illegally occupying the land and had no right to remain there.

Known in the community as Sekuru Moyo, he had resided in the area for decades but was ultimately served an eviction order by the court after refusing to leave. Singini subsequently reported the matter to the police, leading to his arrest.

Norest Moyo, Fanuel’s 32-year-old son, arrived at the scene early Wednesday morning and described the eviction as a result of recent misunderstandings.

“There were no issues before, and we coexisted peacefully for years. Initially, we had old squatter numbers before the Epworth Local Board issued formal stand numbers. Now, the claim is that our home is on Singini’s allocated stand, just as the government is working on regularizing Epworth land ownership,” he explained.

He also expressed frustration over his father’s arrest, stating, “It’s troubling that my sick father, who depends on a catheter, has been treated this way.”

Norest admitted that he considered confronting the Singini family that night but was stopped by concerned neighbors who were watching over the properties of those displaced.

George, Singini’s son, believes that dialogue, rather than legal action, is the best way forward.

“Our parents need to sit down and find a solution instead of turning to law enforcement. Even though I’m often away, we are all part of the same community,” he said. “Since both families received their residential stand numbers from the same council, the authorities should ensure that the Moyo family gets fair treatment.”

Moyo, a member of the Muslim community, has received support from the Zimbabwe Council of Churches. Sheikh Ishmael Duwa, a representative of the organization, has condemned the eviction.

“There is no justification for removing a 78-year-old man from his home. As the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, we are committed to looking into this matter and providing the necessary assistance,” he stated.

As the dispute continues, Moyo remains without a home, hoping for intervention that will allow him to regain stability.