ss 14–16 CONSTITUTION OF ZIMBABWE (2) A law referred to in subsection (1) which provides for the compulsory acquisition of land or any interest or right therein may— (a) specify the principles on which, and the manner in which, compensation for the acquisition of the land or interest or right therein is to be determined and paid; (b) fix, in accordance with principles referred to in paragraph (a), the amount of compensation payablefor the acquisition of the land or interest or right therein; (c) fix the period within which compensation shall be paid for the acquisition of the land or interest or right therein; and no such law shall be called into question by any court on the ground that the compensation provided by that law is not fair. (ii) the payment within a reasonable time of fair compensation for the taking of possession and, where appropriate, for the failure to return the [Subsection as substituted by section 6 of Act 30 of 1990] (3) Where any person, by virtue of a law, contract or scheme relating to the payment of pensions benefits, has a right, whether vested or contingent, to the payment of pensions benefits or any commutation thereof or a refund of contributions, with or without interest, payable in terms of such law, contract or scheme, any law which thereafter provides for the extinction of or a diminution in such a right shall be regarded for the purposes of subsection (1) as a law providing for the acquisition of a right in property. (4) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be in contravention of subsection (1) to the extent that the law in question authorizes the taking of possession of property compulsorily during a period of public emergency or in the event of any other emergency or disaster that threatens the life or well-being of the community or where there is a situation that may lead to such emergency or disaster and makes provision that— (a) requires the acquiring authority promptly to give reasonable notice of the taking of possession to any person owning or possessing the property; (b) enables any such person to notify the acquiring authority in writing that he objects to the taking of possession; (c) requires the acquiring authority to apply within thirty days of such notification to the High Court or some other court for a determination of its entitlement to take possession; [Paragraph as amended by section 13 of Act 25 of 1981] (d) requires the High Court or other court to order the acquiring authority to return the property unless it is satisfied that the taking of possession is reasonably justifiable, in the circumstances of any situation arising or existing during that period or as a result of that other emergency or disaster or that may lead to such emergency or disaster, for the purpose of dealing with that situation; [Paragraph as amended by section 13 of Act 25 of 1981] (e) requires— (i) when possession is no longer reasonably justifiable as referred to in paragraph (d), wherever possible, the prompt return of the property in the condition in which it was at the time of the taking of possession; and 16

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