Air Force of Zimbabwe Warns Public Against Buying Hatfield Golf Course Stands

The Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) has warned members of the public against purchasing residential stands allegedly being marketed at Hatfield Golf Course in Harare, saying the property remains protected military land and is not available for sale or residential development. The warning follows growing controversy surrounding a government proposal to convert part of the Hatfield Golf Course into low-density residential stands, a move that has triggered objections from residents and civic organisations concerned about the loss of Harare’s recreational spaces and urban green areas.

In a statement, the AFZ said it had taken note of a public notice issued under Section 49(4) of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act proposing a change of reservation for the remaining extent of Lot 227, Hatfield Township, from golf course land to residential use. However, the military insisted the land remains under its lawful ownership and falls within a gazetted cantonment area protected under Zimbabwe’s Defence Act.

“The Air Force of Zimbabwe wants to warn the general public that it has always been the lawful owner of the said property and has no plans to sell or change the reservation from Golf Course to residential stands,” the AFZ said.

According to the military, Statutory Instrument 28 of 2026 officially designates Hatfield Golf Course as a military camp owned by the AFZ on behalf of the State. The air force added that ownership of the property is protected under Sections 89 to 94 of the Defence Act.

“Anyone who sells or purchases the above property will be prosecuted for violating Sections 89-94 of the Defence Act,” the statement warned.

The AFZ also said official maps and statutory documents confirming the cantonment boundaries are available for inspection at Defence House in Harare.

The proposed Harare residential development would reportedly create 17 low-density stands measuring approximately 2,000 square metres each. The plan has intensified debate over land use changes in Harare, where residents’ associations and civic groups have repeatedly criticised authorities over the conversion of wetlands, open spaces, school grounds, and recreational facilities into housing developments. Combined Harare Residents Association director Reuben Akili lodged formal objections against the proposal, warning against the continued disappearance of golf courses and green spaces in the capital.

Meanwhile, Harare Residents Trust director Precious Shumba said the development could place additional strain on Harare’s already overstretched infrastructure and service delivery systems. Shumba argued that the golf course serves as both a recreational facility and an important environmental greenway within the city.

Harare has experienced several controversial land disputes and illegal housing developments in recent years, particularly involving wetlands and public open spaces. Some homebuyers have previously lost money after purchasing residential stands later found to be illegally allocated or situated on protected land. Urban planning experts warn that uncontrolled conversion of green spaces could worsen flooding, congestion, environmental degradation, and service delivery challenges in the capital. The latest dispute over Hatfield Golf Course is expected to fuel further debate over urban planning, land management, and environmental protection in Zimbabwe.

Hatfield Golf Course stands

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