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The State has taken legal action against alleged squatters occupying Zambia Army land in Chongwe, seeking their eviction through the Lusaka High Court.
In a lawsuit filed on February 19, the State, through the Attorney General’s office, is requesting a declaration that individuals residing on the northern side of Subdivision 1 of Farm No. 3208 in Lusaka’s Busoli Establishment area are illegal squatters.
The State is also seeking an eviction order, demolition of unauthorized structures, and any further relief the court deems necessary.
The dispute over the land dates back to 2023 when Chieftainess Nkomeshya sued military personnel, accusing them of encroachment under the pretext of using the area for training purposes.
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However, the Zambia Army obtained a restraining order against local subjects, maintaining that the land rightfully belonged to the military.
In an affidavit supporting the case, Zambia Army surveyor Colonel Charles Mulenga provided a historical account of the property.
He stated that before 1978, the land was under freehold tenure and owned by one Lucy Van Renburg.
The government later compulsorily acquired the land through the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture. It remained under government control until August 1, 2016, when it was officially leased to the Ministry of Finance for the Zambia Army under a presidential lease.
Colonel Mulenga further explained that despite the government’s acquisition, illegal settlers had gradually encroached on the northern portion of the land.
He highlighted past legal battles, including Cause No. LAT/08/2011 and Cause No. 2023/HP/1551, which addressed disputes over the property.
In the 2011 case, a settlement agreement was reached, allowing the State to subdivide and allocate part of the southern section of the land to claimants.
However, despite this resolution, individuals who were not part of the agreement continued to encroach and construct structures on the northern portion.
Colonel Mulenga argued that it was in the best interest of the Zambia Army, as the registered proprietor, to secure an eviction order to reclaim full control of the land.
The matter is now before the Lusaka High Court, awaiting determination.
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