There has been a tug-of-war between the mayor of Marracuene and the residents of the municipality, who have been competing for space with the company Milhulamete Limitada for many years. 

The mayor, Shafee Sidat, ordered a ban on the supply of mains water and energy to Marracuene residents who are competing for space with the company Milhulamete Limitada.

At the mercy of the court's decision, Sidat warns that he will demolish the buildings erected by the residents, as they are illegal and disorderly.

The problem dates back to 2023 when supposed natives decided to claim around 500 hectares of land, claiming that they are the rightful owners, while on the other side is Milhulamete, which claims to have the Right to Use and Enjoy the Land.

Without knowing which side the truth lies on, the residents at the time began to build houses, according to "O País", quoting a local source.

However, in Shafee Sidat's opinion, the buildings erected on that plot are disorderly and illegal.

"We're currently in the process of an invasion. We've already carried out two demolitions. We are currently in the process of taking action in this area again, but it can't always be like this. We are delaying these situations, but so far we have no solution. These are disorderly and disorganized constructions in a very prime area."

So far, around 60 irregularly built houses have been demolished, but there may be more.

"If the decision comes, we won't have a problem demolishing all the others that are there because people have been warned for a long time that this area is not for building on until a final decision is made."

Lucas Chivambo, the lawyer for the alleged natives, says that the council's decision is unjustified. "The works are neither illegal nor unknown. The council came into being six months ago, but the case has been going on for eight years. The locals have been here since 2014. The works that are a little further back and those that are advanced depend on each individual."

Chivambo explained that the Supreme Court had already ruled in favor of the natives. "There was a second embargo in 2022, filed again against the same people in the Provincial Court.

"We went there and there was deferred adversarial proceedings, the second embargo was raised again. Meanwhile, the main action has been going on, which until today has had a decision that went to the Supreme Court, which upheld the action brought by Milhulla, so this dismissal automatically affects the other party, in this case, the natives."

For him, the supposed natives have every right to use the space, despite the fact that there is still no court ruling. "There is no legal command to prevent occupants of these lands from doing what suits them, there is no legal command. What he's doing is interfering, he shouldn't be meddling in this matter. He should be clear with the community that he has no say in a matter that is in court and we can conclude that he has interests," he criticized. (Source: O País)