Law Society Demands Answers After Govt Picks 16 Firms For Title Deeds Digitisation
Lawyers have raised concerns after the government handpicked 16 law firms to participate in the Title Deeds Digitisation Programme, with the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) stepping in to demand answers following complaints from legal practitioners.
The development follows a Government announcement published on 5 April 2026 confirming the launch of the Title Deeds Validation and Re-Issuance Pilot Programme, which officially commenced on 1 April 2026. The programme involves selected conveyancers participating in the validation and digitisation of title deeds as Zimbabwe transitions to a digital land administration system.
However, the move quickly sparked debate within the legal fraternity, with some lawyers questioning the selection criteria and the transparency of the process.
Prominent lawyer Thabani Mpofu publicly criticised the development on 7 April 2026, expressing concern over how the firms were selected.
He wrote:
“ZANU PF simply wakes up and tells us that it’s going to choose lawyers for all property holders in the country. The Law Society is now seized with the matter. This kind of nepotism and corruption is disgusting and must be fought by all men and women of conscience.”
His remarks came shortly before the Law Society of Zimbabwe confirmed it had formally engaged authorities over the issue.
LSZ Says Concerns Are “Valid And Urgent”
In a notice dated 7 April 2026, the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) confirmed it had taken note of the Government notice published in The Sunday Mail on 5 April 2026.
The legal body indicated that lawyers had raised concerns through various channels.
The LSZ stated:
“We have taken note of the Notice published by government in the Sunday Mail of 5 April 2026. We have noted your reaction expressed both privately through our various platforms and publicly on social media groups.”
The organisation acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns raised by members.
“Your concerns are both valid and urgent. In this regard we have engaged the offices of the Permanent Secretary and she has assured us that she is looking into the issue.”
The LSZ also indicated that it expected a response soon.
“We will follow up with her office and update you within the shortest possible time, in any case not later than 48 hours.”
The communication was signed by E. Mapara, Executive Secretary of the Law Society of Zimbabwe.
Govt Launches Title Deeds Digitisation Pilot
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs confirmed on 5 April 2026 that the pilot programme is part of efforts to modernise Zimbabwe’s land administration system.
Authorities stated:
“The objective of the Programme is to facilitate the transition from existing title deeds to a secure and efficient digital land administration framework.”
The government further indicated that the pilot programme would run for two weeks from 1 April 2026 to test systems before the nationwide rollout.
The Ministry also explained that selected conveyancers would process applications during the pilot phase.
“As part of the Pilot Programme, a selected number of registered conveyancers have been engaged to participate in the validation and re-issuance process.”
Authorities added that feedback from the pilot phase would help refine the system.
“Feedback gathered throughout this process will be utilised to further strengthen the DLAP system and ensure its efficiency, reliability, and user-friendliness.”
Property owners have also been given two years to convert existing title deeds into digital format under Statutory Instrument 76 of 2025.
No cost structure for the digitisation exercise was disclosed in the announcement.
The post Lawyers Cry Foul After Gvt Hand Picks 16 Firms For Title Deeds Digitisation – LSZ Demands Answers appeared first on iHarare News.
