The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) says it will begin evicting illegal tenants from Burombo Flats, citing rising crime and deteriorating living conditions at the council-owned housing estate.
The flats, located in Mzilikazi, have been without electricity since September 2023, leaving residents in darkness and fuelling criminal activity. Overcrowding, poor sanitation and sewer overflows from the nearby Thorngrove facility have also raised health and safety concerns.
Deputy Mayor of Bulawayo, Edwin Ndlovu, said the local authority had authorised the evictions after receiving “disturbing reports” of violent crime at the estate.
“We have received reports of rape cases, theft and other criminal activities happening at Burombo Flats. The place has become unsafe, and the council cannot allow this to continue. I have given permission to our housing officials to start evacuating all people who are not rightful tenants,” Ndlovu said.
He added that some residents were overcrowding the flats, while others were sub-letting rooms for profit.
“We have people staying 15 in one room, some living in storerooms meant for wheelbarrows, and others renting out rooms illegally. This is unacceptable, and as council, we have to restore order at Burombo,” he said.
Housing officer Mpumelelo Matwasa said the verification and eviction process would take up to three months.
“People will be called individually to confirm who is a legal tenant and who is not. After that process, we will remove those who are not supposed to be there,” he said.
Residents say life at the flats has become unbearable.
“Every day we hear of people being robbed. Girls are no longer safe because of rapists hiding in the corridors. There is no electricity, so criminals take advantage of the darkness. Life at Burombo has become dangerous,” said one resident, Jairos Maropa.
Councillor Melisa Mabeza previously warned that the buildings were no longer fit for human habitation and called for the flats to be closed and rehabilitated.
The BCC says it will work with law enforcement during the eviction exercise to maintain safety and order.
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