Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has declared an end to the illegal occupation and sale of land by land barons, headmen and village heads.
In a statement, released today, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe said Government has deployed robust enforcement measures to decisively eradicate criminal syndicates involved in the illegal subdivision and sale of State, local authority and communal land, following a directive from President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stamp out corruption and abuse of public office in all sectors.
“The era of lawlessness is over. The abuse of public land, fraudulent land sales and illegal settlements will no longer be tolerated.
The Ministry will not condone the abuse of public office or the exploitation of citizens by criminal syndicates operating under the guise of land development,” said Minister Garwe.
Minister Garwe said Government’s directive would be implemented without fear or favour and that no individual, regardless of their status, position, influence or political affiliation, is beyond the reach of the law.
“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, has directed that criminality, corruption and abuse of public office in all sectors, including the administration of land, must cease forthwith. This directive is being implemented without fear or favour,” he said.
Minister Garwe said multi-agency enforcement teams comprising law enforcement agencies, local authorities and the Chiefs Council of Zimbabwe have been tasked with conducting coordinated operations to identify, investigate and dismantle criminal networks involved in illegal land allocations and settlements.
“The Ministry recognises traditional leadership as a respected constitutional institution entrusted with safeguarding communal land. Any traditional leader who abuses that responsibility through illegal land transactions will face the full consequences of the law,” he said.
Minister Garwe urged members of the public to verify ownership documents, planning approvals and development authority with relevant Government departments and local authorities before purchasing land.
“This statement serves as final notice to every land baron, headman, village head and illegal land dealer that your activities have no place in Zimbabwe.
Law enforcement operations have been intensified nationwide and violators will be dealt with decisively in accordance with the laws of the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Government remains committed to restoring order, upholding the rule of law and safeguarding Zimbabwe’s land resources for present and future generations.
