Couple Barred From Hosting Weddings Over Noise
The Administrative Court has barred a couple from Shwawasha Hills from hosting events like weddings at their place after neighbours had complained about too much noise coming from the place.
Five neighbours approached the court appealing an earlier court order that authorised the couple, Gerald and Leah Nachipo, to host events for a fee.
The couple and the City of Harare were cited as respondents.
The residents said the noise from the events was disturbing their peace. The couple, however, opposed the application, arguing that it had a valid permit to host events for a fee.
Court papers say the couple held a meeting with its neighbours in the Shawasha area in August 2018 following complaints about noise.
The residents later submitted a petition to the city council, which, however, granted a permit to the Nachipos to use their residential place as a wedding and events venue.
This prompted the residents to appeal to the Administrative Court.
In his ruling, Judge Justice Herbert Mandeya said:
_The court’s view is that there are sufficient indications that there were improprieties that led to the first and second respondents by the third respondent. Applicants engaged the first and second respondents on several occasions over the noise emanating from the first and second respondents’ premises at times they wished to rest peacefully. That shows they value their peace._
The City of Harare did not oppose the application.
The couple was ordered to pay the cost of the suit.
In 2018, Harare City Council announced that churches and bars making noise were likely to lose their licences.
More: Pindula News; NewsDay
