Government Declares War On Land Barons, Warns Traditional Leaders Over Illegal Land Sales
The Government has announced a nationwide offensive against illegal land dealings, declaring that individuals involved in unauthorised land allocations and sales will face arrest as authorities move to restore order in the country’s land administration system.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe said authorities were stepping up efforts to dismantle criminal networks accused of profiting from unlawful land transactions.
He said the Government had adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards land barons, rogue land dealers and any other individuals abusing the country’s land allocation system for personal gain.
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Traditional leaders warned against illegal land sales
Garwe said the crackdown would also target headmen and village heads found participating in or facilitating unlawful land sales.
While acknowledging the constitutional role played by traditional leaders in managing communal land, he warned that those who abuse their authority would not be shielded from prosecution.
Under the new measures, traditional leaders convicted of participating in illegal land sales will not only face criminal charges but also risk losing their positions in line with the Constitution and the Traditional Leaders Act.
Multi-agency teams to lead enforcement
To strengthen enforcement, the Government will deploy joint teams made up of law enforcement agencies, local authorities and the Chiefs Council of Zimbabwe.
The teams will be tasked with identifying illegal settlements, investigating suspected land scams and dismantling syndicates accused of illegally allocating or selling land.
Garwe said the directive follows President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s instruction that corruption, abuse of office and criminal conduct in land administration must be brought to an end, regardless of the individuals involved.
“The era of lawlessness is over. The abuse of public land, fraudulent land sales and illegal settlements will no longer be tolerated,” Garwe said.
He added that no individual would be exempt from the law because of their influence, position or political affiliation.
Public urged to verify land before buying
The Ministry also cautioned prospective land buyers against dealing with unauthorised developers, housing cooperatives or land agents operating outside the law.
Garwe urged members of the public to verify land ownership, planning approvals and development authority with the relevant Government departments and local authorities before making any purchases.
He warned that land acquired through illegal channels offers no legal protection and often leaves buyers vulnerable to financial losses while contributing to the growth of unplanned settlements.
The Minister said law enforcement operations had already been intensified across the country and described the Government’s latest announcement as a final warning to everyone involved in illegal land sales, saying authorities were committed to restoring order and protecting Zimbabwe’s land resources for future generations.
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