800 families are being evicted from their homes in Msasa Park Extension after losing a court case against the land owner.
The dispute stems from a long-running legal battle over land ownership:
- The Landowners’ Claim: The land is privately owned by Masasa Park Private Limited, who filed a claim to take the land back from the residents, who had built homes believing the land had been given to them.
- The Regularization Offer: In 2023, the company attempted a regularization process, offering residents the chance to buy their stands at a discounted price of $15 per square meter.
- The Residents’ Refusal: A group of approximately 800 residents refused the payment, arguing the land was donated and they should not have to pay, leading them to challenge the issue in the courts.
The Legal Outcome
The court rulings consistently favored the private company:
- High Court Ruling: Justice Amelia ruled against the residents, stating that mere residence or belief of donation does not confer land ownership.
- Summary Judgement: In July 2025, Justice Katio granted a summary judgment in favor of the company, giving it the right to evict those who refused to buy their stands.
- Final Decision: In October 2025, the Supreme Court dismissed the residents’ final appeal, effectively ending the matter.
Current Situation
- The evictions have already begun, with the first 50 families removed from the property.
- The land owners state the goal of the legal action is to ensure the area is developed in an organized manner with proper legal ownership for the residents.
- Police are present for the operation, and the situation remains tense and uncertain for the hundreds of families still residing in Masasa Park.
