ZVISHAVANE – Authorities are set to roll out a joint enforcement operation, this week, targeting illegal sale and allocation of communal land, amid concerns over rising cases of unauthorised land transactions involving some traditional leaders.
In a public notice, issued last Thursday, the District Development Coordinator confirmed that the forthcoming operation involved the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
“This communication serves to inform you of an ongoing strict law enforcement operation being conducted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police in conjunction with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development,” reads the statement.
The operation is aimed at curbing a rising trend of illegal land distribution, particularly in communal areas where some village heads are allegedly parcelling out land for personal gain.
Authorities said reports had emerged of illegal “sabhuku deals” involving the subdivision and sale of communal grazing land, riverbanks and state land to desperate home-seekers.
“Reports indicate that several village heads are engaged in ‘sabhuku deals’, subdividing communal grazing land, riverbanks and state land to sell to desperate home-seekers,” said the notice.
Traditional leaders have been notified that police and government inspection teams will begin visits across affected areas in the week commencing 30 June 2026.
Government has urged full cooperation from traditional leaders as it moves to restore order and enforce land administration regulations in the district.
The impending operation signals a renewed government push to restore order in communal land administration, where illegal allocations have increasingly undermined formal planning systems and fueled disputes.
Authorities say the crackdown is expected to reinforce compliance with land governance laws while safeguarding communal resources from unauthorised commercialisation.
