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The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) have warned traditional leaders against the illegal parcelling out of land. They have made it clear that those found engaging in such unlawful practices will face prosecution.
This warning was delivered at an anti-corruption indaba hosted by Transparency International Zimbabwe, in partnership with ZACC, the NPA, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), and other key stakeholders.
In a speech read on his behalf by Commissioner Mabel Ndakaripa Munyuki-Hungwe, ZACC chairperson Michael Reza said village heads were among the chief culprits and warned of stiff penalties. Said Reza (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zacc-npa-vow-to-crack-down-on-land-barons/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
I want to stress that we cannot afford to let corruption go unchecked in land allocation.
We believe that managing these resources based on our heritage is sacrosanct.
We must always remember that these resources belong not to us or the past generation, but to future generations, hence the need for sustainable management, especially in light of the devastating effects of climate change.
</blockquote>
Reza said ZACC had launched anti-corruption awareness programmes to curb widespread corruption in land allocation. He said:
<blockquote>
The commission has engaged citizens in Masvingo, Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland South provinces, equipping them with information to detect, avoid and report corruption in their localities.
The illegal parcelling of wetlands, destruction of river banks and mountains, and other ecologically sensitive zones remain a concern.
Uncontrolled parcelling of sensitive environmental areas has severe consequences for the ecosystem and economy.
</blockquote>
In a speech read on her behalf by the acting Deputy Prosecutor-General Justin Uladi, Prosecutor General Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo said that anyone who pays or receives a bribe in land deals will be prosecuted. She said:
<blockquote>
These cases involve double allocation of stands, and unlawful land parcelling, and involve senior rural district council and urban council officers.
We are pleased that the public is reporting these cases. We encourage the public to desist from paying for land.
Land allocation follows proper procedures through rural district councils or urban councils, and applications must be filed accordingly.
Bribing traditional leaders or council workers for land is prohibited. Anyone who pays or receives a bribe will be prosecuted, and the bribe will be forfeited to the State.
</blockquote>
Numerous village heads across Zimbabwe are accused of illegally allocating or selling state-owned land, particularly in peri-urban areas.
Several village heads have already been arrested and brought before the courts to face charges related to the unlawful sale of state land under their administration.
“Sabhuku land deals” refer to illegal transactions involving traditional leaders (village heads) and land seekers in Zimbabwe.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Zimbabwe's anti-corruption commission and prosecuting authority are warning traditional leaders not to give out land illegally. Anyone caught doing this will be punished. They say that corruption in land allocation is harmful for the environment and future generations. The authorities are running programs to make people aware of corruption in land deals. Anyone caught paying or receiving bribes for land will be prosecuted. Many village heads are being accused of selling state land illegally, and some have already been arrested. These shady deals are known as "Sabhuku land deals."

ZACC, NPA Go After Sabhuku Land Deals

The demolitions of poor people’s homes and other structures across the country to deal with illegal occupations of State land are mainly driven by three factors: politics, power and money.
<a href="https://thenewshawks.com/reasons-for-mnangagwas-ruthless-house-demolitions/">The NewsHawks</a> cited sources as saying President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi are using power and politics to create a new land market where money would be the main determinant of land occupations and settlements. One unnamed government official was quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
The minister has made it clear to us in government what’s going on here. The land belongs to the President, which means he uses his power for its spatial distribution and his politics of patronage and loyalty influence the dynamics of it.
But in the end, money will take centre stage and the land will now be sold at market rates, creating a new land market which is driven by power and politics. It’s a symbiotic relationship.
Since the beginning of February this year, authorities have demolished houses and settlements built on land acquired illegally in peri-urban communities including, for example, Gutu and Mushandike in Masvingo province, Chipinge in Manicaland, Dema and Goromonzi in Mashonaland East and different other places.
The illegal settlers bought the land from village heads and land barons linked to ZANU PF.
</blockquote>
The NewsHawks reported a source as saying it is also the government’s intention to sell the land after demolitions to create a new market in which ordinary people pay fair value for land even though Mnangagwa and other ZANU PF leaders got land for free. Said source:
<blockquote>
To be sure, the demolition of informal houses and structures is not a new phenomenon in Zimbabwe and elsewhere. 
What is new is some of the political actors, policy approach, frequency and intensity, as well as the motives and visibility which do vary.
What is new is the intensity, frequency, and agency (visibility and changing dynamics of its triggers and mechanisms of its unfolding in specific contexts).
There are three objectives of the demolitions: politics, power and money. These are the real underlying motives.
From the top, that is the Office of the President and Cabinet down to the minister’s office and government officials’ positions, they are all aware of the agenda.
The President and the Minister of Justice know very well what this is all about. It’s an elite project being driven by those who own land and houses which mostly they didn’t even buy in the first place. It’s hypocrisy of the worst order.
Of course, the rule of law must apply whenever there are illegal activities and criminality, but it must be applied even-handedly not just to the poor and vulnerable as the situation shows at the moment.
</blockquote>
In 2005, the ZANU PF-led government launched “Operation Murambatsvina” (Clear Filth) which resulted in mass evictions of urban dwellers from housing structures and the closure of various informal sector businesses throughout the country.
According to the United Nations, 700 000 people were forcibly evicted from their homes, made homeless or lost their source of livelihood.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa's House Demolitions Mainly Driven By Politics, Power And Money | Report

Two village heads from Nyamandlovu appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Maxwell Ncube on Friday, 23 February facing a charge of unlawfully allocating 38 stands to home seekers.
As reported by the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200023533/village-heads-up-for-selling-state-land">Southern Eye</a>, the accused are Chikombingo Moses Nyamande (84) and village development committee member Danisa Nyathi (59).
They were not asked to plead before being remanded to 21 March for trial.
Nyathi and Nyamande are resettled farmers on gazetted State land.
It is the State’s case that since 21 January 2023, Nyamande and Nyathi have allocated stands to 38 villagers without State authority.
The villagers allegedly moved onto the land and built structures.
On 22 January this year, police received a tip-off that the duo were illegally parcelling out State land and visited the area where they discovered that 38 illegal settlers had already built housing structures.
The accused failed to produce documentation authorising the settlers to occupy the land in question leading to their arrest.
Police recently launched “Operation Order No To Land Barons” targetting people accused of being irregularly settled on State land.
This has resulted in the arrest of hundreds of villagers across the country.
Four village heads from Dema in Mashonaland East Province were convicted after appearing in court for selling stands in undesignated places and pocketing the proceeds.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Village Heads In Court For Selling State Land

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has criticised the government’s approach in dealing with illegal occupations of land and likened the eviction of villagers to the seizure of Arab land by Jewish settlers in Palestine since 1948.
This comes after the government demolished the homes of some villagers in Masvingo and Matabeleland South provinces raising fears that the nation is slowly backsliding to the 2005 Operation Murambatsvina demolitions.
Many occupants facing demolitions had settled in the areas for decades only to be arrested and prosecuted for illegal land occupation.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/labour-blasts-govts-zionist-approach-to-land-evictions/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> on Tuesday, ZCTU secretary general, Japhet Moyo implored government officials to be humane and desist from creating a needless humanitarian crisis. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
Land is a right and thus should be accessible to all individuals. In the past, we have noted the regularisation of informal settlements for political expediency.
Now that elections are over, politicians are looking the other way as if nothing is happening.
We are faced with a humanitarian crisis, we expect the government to approach the issue with cool heads.
A “Zionist” approach towards alleged illegal settlers is not a solution.
</blockquote>
Moyo said the ZCTU stands against the perpetuation of exclusionary colonial laws adding that some villagers are being evicted by greedy political bigwigs who want more land for themselves. He said:
<blockquote>
The same laws being invoked to evict villagers are also undermining the authority of traditional leaders who settled the villagers in the first place.
These villagers were not settling themselves, but they got a go-ahead from traditional leaders and in some cases, they got a go-ahead from land officers.
The operation has exposed our government’s ineptitude. It left the villagers undisturbed for decades only to bombard them with evictions on short notice.
If our leaders have the conscience and time for some soul-searching, they will realize their errors and omissions.
</blockquote>
On 13 February this year, the Zimbabwe Republic Police said 3 700 people had been arrested countrywide under the ongoing Government operation dubbed “No To Land Barons and Illegal Settlements on Land”.
According to the Police, 28 people were arrested in Tokwane-Ngundu Resettlement, 26 people were arrested for allegedly occupying grazing lands and distributing gazetted land to their relatives at Lazy Five Farm in Karoi, and 123 people were arrested at Enyandeni Resettlement Area, Gwanda.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZCTU Condemns Govt's "Zionist" Approach Towards Illegal Land Occupiers

Members of Parliament on Tuesday pleaded with the Government to show empathy towards illegal settlers who are facing evictions, arrests and the destruction of their homes countrywide.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mps-plead-with-govt-to-treat-illegal-settlers-with-empathy-as-evictions-intensify/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, the lawmakers argued that though the Government was enforcing the law, the timing was wrong as the country is battling a cholera outbreak and in the middle of the rainy season.
Midlands Proportional Representative MP Tsitsi Zhou (ZANU PF) said the illegal allocation of land dates back to 2004. She said:
<blockquote>
Some evictions are ongoing countrywide and people are being arrested and taken to courts because they are settled illegally in resettlement and communal areas.
The government had taken a position to first identify land to allocate the illegal settlers in communal, resettlement and urban areas.
We need to appreciate the population growth and the government should treat illegal settlers the same way, whether they are in urban or communal areas with empathy to achieve the desired results.
</blockquote>
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, asked the MP to clarify whether she was condemning the Executive for implementing the law or not. Said Mudenda:
<blockquote>
The Executive is administering the law. What is the problem? You are condemning how the evictions are taking place?
</blockquote>
However, Zhou said it was how the process was being done that needed to be revisited. She said:
<blockquote>
I would like to believe that people have a right to shelter. There has been population growth since the Land Reform Programme and rural-to-urban migration.
Whilst we appreciate this, people are being resettled illegally. They are allocating land to each other through the village heads, councillors and all.
</blockquote>
Mudenda concurred with Zhou that the matter could be of national interest but requested her to ask the question to the relevant minister (Anxious Masuka) during the Q and A session. He said:
<blockquote>
Well, that may be a matter of national interest. I think you need to ask the question tomorrow. That will suggest what you are observing.
There is no way you can stop the Executive from evicting people who have illegally settled themselves.
</blockquote>
Maxwell Mavhunga (CCC) told Parliament that the timing of the evictions and not the enforcement of the law was wrong. He said:
<blockquote>
The enforcement is not the issue but the timing of the enforcement. It is during the rainy season and people have nowhere to go.
We are in a pandemic where there is cholera and people are being displaced at this particular time.
We have people on farms who are being evicted when they have planted their crops and they are told to leave within seven days.
</blockquote>
According to human rights lawyers, hundreds of villagers across the country have been evicted from their ancestral land by the Government for allegedly occupying gazetted land without lawful authority.
Some of the villagers have been in occupation of their land for more than 40 years and made tremendous improvements to their land.
Critics have dubbed the ongoing evictions “Murambatsvina 2” alluding to Operation Murambatsvina which was a large-scale, slum clearance operation in urban areas which was conducted in 2005.
An estimated 700 000 people lost their homes and/or livelihoods, with a further 2.4 million people indirectly affected. An estimated 92 460 homes were destroyed during the blitz.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

MPs Criticise Evictions, Arrests Of Illegal Settlers

Self-exiled former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Walter Mzembi, has suggested that ZANU PF has been hijacked by imperialists and neoliberals who are now forcing rural people off State land.
Mzembi said the ruling party would not evict landless people even if they occupied State land illegally and would instead, regularise the irregular settlements as happened with the Fast-track Land Resettlement Programme around the year 2000.
He made the comments in response to the Government’s ongoing “No To Land Barons and Illegal Settlements on Land” operation which has resulted in more than 3 700 arrests countrywide.
Posting on X, Mzembi said the law can easily be amended to align with the situation on the ground, adding that nothing stops President Emmerson Mnangagwa from putting the evictions to an end. Said Mzembi:
<blockquote>
ZANU PF will not evict the landless even if they are on State land illegally, unless it has been hijacked by imperialists and neoliberals.
Fast Track Land Reform in itself was an illegality according to the laws of the land of the time.
Law is a product of a political process, so it was made legal by the political objectives of addressing skewed land ownership of the time.
So we have a revolutionary precedent that prevents abuse of the landless in the name of the law.
President Mnangagwa is symbolically what the King is in England except we are a Republic but he can stop this bureaucratic nonsense on instruction.
</blockquote>
According to human rights lawyers, hundreds of villagers across the country have been evicted from their ancestral land by the Government for allegedly occupying gazetted land without lawful authority.
Some of the villagers have been in occupation of their land for more than 40 years and made tremendous improvements to their land.
Critics have dubbed the ongoing evictions “Murambatsvina 2” alluding to Operation Murambatsvina which was a large-scale, slum clearance operation in urban areas which was conducted in 2005.
An estimated 700 000 people lost their homes and/or livelihoods, with a further 2.4 million people indirectly affected. An estimated 92 460 homes were destroyed during the blitz.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"ZANU PF Has Been Hijacked By Imperialists And Neoliberals"

The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Winston Chitanda, has warned space and land barons in Mabelreign, Harare, that their illegal shenanigans will not be tolerated.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 13 February Chitando said only the Ministry or local authorities are empowered by the law to sell, lease or offer a lease with the option to purchase, Stateland or Council land.
Chitando, who was in the company of the Deputy Minister and Permanent Secretary of Local Government and Public Works and Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Province, met with high-level officials from the City of Harare, led by the Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume, the Member of Parliament for Harare West Constituency, Honorable J. Mamombe (MP) and some residents of Ward 16, which covers Mabelereign suburb yesterday. He said:
<blockquote>
It was brought to our attention that there have been and continue to be illegal invasion of greenway spaces in Mabelreign, on Stateland and Council land, led by land and space barons.
I want to make it abundantly clear that Government’s position is that it is illegal to parcel out State land or council land for whatever purpose, which responsibility is bestowed only on local planning authorities.
It is also illegal, for any person who is not authorized by the Ministry or the Council, to sell, lease or offer a lease with option to purchase, of Stateland or Council land.
All stakeholders are encouraged to work together to ensure that there is sanity in the greenways of Mabelreign.
Illegal allocations of land in general and in urban areas, inclusive in greenways in Mabelreign, will not be tolerated.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said that as of 12 February 2024, a total of 3 775 suspects have been arrested with 985 convictions being made by the courts, while 3 360 cases are pending trial under the ongoing Government’s country-wide operation, “No To Land Barons and Illegal Settlements on Land”.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Space And Land Barons Wreak Havoc In Mabelreign

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) lawyers are representing hundreds of villagers across the country who have been evicted from their ancestral land by the Government for allegedly occupying gazetted land without lawful authority.
Some of the villagers have been in occupation of their land for more than 40 years and made tremendous improvements to their land.
Under the ongoing “No To Land Barons and Illegal Settlements on Land” operation launched by the Goverment this year, more than 2 700 people have been arrested. The ZLHR said:
<blockquote>
Across Zimbabwe, we are representing hundreds of distressed villagers, who are accused of illegally occupying their ancestral land.
In Chipinge in Manicaland province, our lawyer [Tariro Tazvitya], is representing 327 villagers, who reside in Mahachi village and are accused of illegally occupying Mahachi village.
Of the 327 villagers, 80 of them reside in Munyokowere village and are accused of illegally occupying Munyokowere village.
In Masvingo Province, we have filed an appeal at Masvingo Magistrates Court seeking to suspend an order for the eviction of some villagers from their ancestral land.
The villagers were recently convicted of occupying gazetted land without lawful authority as defined in section 3(1) of the Gazetted Land (Consequential Provisions) Act by Masvingo Magistrate Ivy Jawona and sentenced to serve three months in prison, which was wholly suspended.
In addition, Magistrate Jawona ordered the villagers to vacate their land within 7 days. Now, the villagers, who are represented by Phillip Shumba of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, have asked the Masvingo Magistrates Court to stay their eviction pending the determination of their appeal against both conviction and sentence by the Masvingo High Court.
The villagers filed the appeal at Masvingo High Court on 9 February 2024 challenging their conviction and sentence by Magistrate Jawona.
In the appeal, the villagers argue that Magistrate Jawona erred and misdirected herself in convicting and sentencing the villagers for illegally occupying gazetted land as some of them have been in occupation of their land for more than 40 years and had effected tremendous improvements to their land.
The villagers want the High Court to overturn their conviction and set aside their sentence and refer their matter to the Constitutional Court for a determination of the constitutionality of their eviction.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Human Rights Lawyers Challenge Eviction Of Villagers From Ancestral Lands

The Government has warned chiefs, headmen and village heads that those who are selling State land to desperate land seekers face dismissal and prosecution.
Four village heads from Dema in Mashonaland East Province have since been convicted after appearing in court for selling stands in undesignated places.
The parcelling out and selling of State land has become rampant, not only in Dema but countrywide, especially close to growth points and peri-urban areas.
The Director of Communication and Advocacy in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Gabriel Masvora told The Sunday News that the Government is conducting capacity-building workshops within the country’s eight rural provinces to conscientise traditional leaders on their role and ensure they do not overstep their mandate.
He said the issue of land distribution in exchange for bribes was one of the major objectives of the workshops due to an unprecedented increase in “Sabhuku deals”. Said Masvora:
<blockquote>
The sale of State land is illegal. The duties of a village head are spelt out in Section 12 of the Traditional Leaders Act 29:17 and do not include land allocation.
The land is allocated by the rural district council concerned after the submission of names of those who want communal land to the council and a resolution is then made.
Our ministry carried out capacity-building workshops from May 2022 to April 2023 at all the eight rural provinces in every district and the meetings were attended by chiefs, headmen and village heads.
The duties of each traditional leader were explained and illegalities were spelt out. Chiefs and headmen supervise village heads, and where the rampant sale of land occurs, they are empowered by the law to recommend dismissal.
We continue to engage the Council of Chiefs which is an assembly of elected traditional leaders and the provincial assembly chairpersons to continue to raise awareness of the illegality of land sales and the consequences thereof.
Several village heads have been convicted of illegal land sales in the country with the recent example of Dema village heads convicted on 8 January 2024.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Council of Chiefs president Chief Mtshane Khumalo said that traditional leaders are aware that State land should not be sold and those engaging in illicit land deals should be arrested.
Early this month, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said police will arrest land barons and anyone illegally selling land in the country, regardless of their status.
ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged members of the public to verify the status of any land before being settled or made to pay for purported allocation or development.
He said the public should report criminal activities by land barons at any nearest Police Station or National Complaints Desk number on (0242) 703631 ог WhatsApp number 0712 800 197.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Village Heads Risk Dismissal, Prosecution For "Sabhuku Land Deals"

The arrest of suspected land barons across the country has reportedly divided ZANU PF as some of the targeted individuals believe they are being used to settle scores.
Last month, ZANU PF issued a statement distancing itself from some of its officials who were allegedly involved in the invasion of farms, especially in urban areas where they sold housing stands to home seekers.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has also arrested several suspected land barons across the country.
Some of the suspected land barons who spoke to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/news/article/200021802/blitz-against-land-barons-divides-zanu-pf">The Standard</a> over the weekend said that it was unfair that they were being targeted after helping President Emmerson Mnangagwa and ZANU PF win last year’s elections.
Arrests in connection with the illegal sale of State land were made in Mutare, Chivhu and Nyabira.
In Chivhu, more than 33 villagers are resisting an eviction order claiming that ZANU PF officials were planning to resettle some officials on the land after the completion of the Chivhu Dam.
Suspended ZANU PF Mutare district coordinating committee chairman Binali Yard and some members of his committee were arrested and spent the Christmas holidays behind bars for allegedly selling land in Mutare’s Gimboki area.
Some war veterans were arrested after grabbing a farm in Nyabira and parcelling out residential stands.
A Harare land developer, who spoke on condition of anonymity said (via The Standard):
<blockquote>
Some individuals are being targeted and there is a list of members who are being targeted for the arrests.
Surprisingly, this is also being done on factional lines.
If you know that you don’t support President Emmerson Mnangagwa while backing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, you are in trouble.
</blockquote>
Reports claim Mnangagwa and Chiwenga lead different factions in ZANU PF that are tussling to control the former liberation movement.
A senior ZANU PF official claimed that most land barons had the backing of powerful individuals in the party’s structures. He said:
<blockquote>
Many reports have been made against the land barons even at the party, but some are untouchable since they represent some powerful individuals.
To become a land baron you will have to have some paperwork.
You cannot be a land baron without paperwork. They have some form of documentation.
The papers might not be in order, but they will have something that equips them with powers to distribute land.
Even if they are arrested most of the cases usually die with the perpetrators rarely facing any consequences.
That is the reason most of them remain in the structures so that they protect their interests.
Most people in leadership positions from provinces to districts are also involved in land deals, but they target agricultural land in conjunction with land officials.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF Director of Information and Publicity Farai Marapira dismissed reports of factionalism caused by the arrests of land barons. He said:
<blockquote>
ZANU PF is never divided, especially concerning issues of illegality. ZANU PF is united over the issue of addressing land barons and will leave no stone unturned to ensure this scourge is dealt with.
</blockquote>
The illegal activities of land barons have resulted in the mushrooming of shanty settlements across the country and the construction of homes on wetlands and riverbanks in urban areas.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Arrest Of Land Barons Divides ZANU PF

The City of Harare has warned residents against buying land in Strathaven off Westminister Road saying land barons are illegally parcelling out stands in the area.
In a statement, signed by the Town Clerk Engineer Hosiah Chisango, the local authority said residents should not buy stands from land barons as they will lose their hard-earned money. Said Chisango:
<blockquote>
It has come to our attention that some land barons are illegally selling land to unsuspecting residents in Strathaven off Westminister Road.
Residents are therefore advised against dealing with the land barons as they risk losing money.
The City will immediately move in and enforce the law to stop the illegal sale of stands in the area.
For more information and clarity please contact the Town Clerk’s office or the City Housing Department.
</blockquote>
On Wednesday, 10 January, the Chief Director of Spatial Planning and Development in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Shingirayi Mushamba, urged Zimbabweans to exercise patience and desist from acquiring land from land barons.
Mushamba said that the Government has earmarked land for housing stands in all the country’s 10 provinces.
The illegal activities of land barons have resulted in the mushrooming of shanty settlements across the country and the construction of homes on wetlands and riverbanks in urban areas.
From time to time, local authorities, especially the City of Harare, demolish structures built on land acquired illegally leaving residents, who would have spent their life savings on buying the land and building houses, in the open and at the mercy of weather elements.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare City Council Warns Residents Against Land Barons In Strathaven

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned people involved in illegal land allocation. The police emphasise that regardless of a person’s social standing or status, they will be held accountable under the law. In a statement seen by Pindula News, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the police national spokesperson, advised individuals seeking land to verify with the appropriate authorities if the land being sold has been legally acquired before making any transactions. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
<h3>CRIMINAL ACTS AND ILLEGAL SETTLEMENTS ON LAND IN RURAL AND URBAN SETUPS</h3>
Reference is made to the Minister for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Honourable Doctor Anxious Masuka’s press release issued on 03. January 2024 in connection with illegal settlements on agricultural land and criminal acts by land barons who are unlawfully parcelling land in both rural and urban setups. This statement has also been buttressed by the remarks made by Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Winston Chitando and Minister of National Housing and Amenities, Honourable Daniel Garwe on Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation Television on rd January 2024.
The public is accordingly advised that the Zimbabwe Republic Police will arrest anyone engaged in illegal land allocation irrespective of status and social standing.
Members of the public are implored to verify the status of any land before being settled or made to pay for purported allocation or development.
The public should report criminal activities by land barons at any nearest Police Station or National Complaints Desk number on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp number 0712 800 197.
</blockquote>

<ul>
<li class="text-4xl border-b-2 border-[#e8e9ea] tracking-tight pb-4 font-bold pt-4"><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/01/01/land-and-space-barons-should-be-criminalised-mafume/">Land And Space Barons Should Be Criminalised – Mafume</a></li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Zimbabwe Police Has Warned People Involved In Illegal Land Allocation

Twenty-seven (27) families in Budiriro, Harare, whose homes were flooded after heavy rains caused the Marimba River to overflow are set to be accommodated at the newly constructed flats in Dzivarasekwa Extension.
Fifty-nine households in Harare’s Budiriro 5B Extension and the paddocks area of Kuwadzana were recently forced out of their homes by flash flooding along the Marimba River.
Some of the affected families have been evacuated to Budiriro 3 Primary School where they are being temporarily housed.
National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Daniel Garwe, Local Government and Public Works Minister Winston Chitando and Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province Charles Tavengwa, on Sunday, 31 December visited the areas affected by floods in Budiriro and then went on to inspect Dzivarasekwa flats.
Speaking during the tour, Chitando said that the 27 families will occupy Dzivarasekwa flats that were identified two years ago when flash floods swept through the suburb. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021583/govt-abandons-flood-victims">NewsDay</a> quoted Chitando as saying:
<blockquote>
Two years back the minister of Housing went to Budiriro and confirmed the illegality of the houses which are on a wetland next to a river and arranged that the people be moved to these flats unfortunately before they could be moved, tragedy struck but the units are ready and families will be moved.
From a public works perspective, we are handing over the units to the Ministry of Housing which will handle the process accordingly.
</blockquote>
Garwe said the flats will be handed over to the 27 families once they are spruced up by the Department of Public Works in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. He said:
<blockquote>
We have 100 metres of sewer lines that need to be connected and external works need to be spruced up as well.
Once that is done, then we wait for the commissioning of the four blocks as well as the handing over to the 27 families.
We have 48 units here and these units are not designed for flood victims only, it is just a coincidence that flood victims need attention.
We are providing accommodation to Zimbabweans throughout the country and this is not the only place where flats are being constructed.
We have got flats in the Midlands in Gweru, Marondera, Mutawatawa and even in rural communities we are now building flats.
</blockquote>
Tavengwa said houses illegally built on wetlands would be demolished. He said:
<blockquote>
People are being affected because we do not have a master plan. We have to abide by the law and what has to be demolished will be demolished. We have to have a planned society.
</blockquote>
One of the flood victims, Susan Mlambo Chaputika, said she moved to Budiriro in 2015, and the following year, they realised that the area was flood-prone. She said:
<blockquote>
During the 2016 rainy season, we noticed that the area was prone to flooding. We reported the matter to the council and they said they would attend to it but to date, they have not done anything.
The issue of floods kept recurring every season and between 2019 and 2021 that is when we alerted government officials and the matter became public.
Government responded by setting up evacuation centres. They said some flats were being built in Dzivarasekwa, we went there and we saw that there was progress and today they are telling us that we will be moved in January.
</blockquote>
An Environmental Management Agency (EMA) official Liberty Mugadza recently told ZBC News that the City of Harare ignored an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in allocating residential stands to Budiriro homeowners whose houses have been inundated by floodwaters.
He said they gave the local authority a map of the area indicating where houses should not be built.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Budiriro Flood Victims Set To Be Moved To Dzivarasekwa Flats

A woman whose six-year-old son was swept away and killed by the floods in Budiriro last week has said she was being threatened by land barons.
The woman, who chose to identify herself as Shildah, told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/budiriro-flood-victims-moved-to-dzivarasekwa-flats/">The Herald</a> that she had to seek shelter at Budiriro 3 Primary School because she was being threatened by land barons for reporting that her son was swept away by the floods. She said:
<blockquote>
I am being threatened on why I reported that my child was swept away by the floods. I was being blocked on the roads and from having access to basic necessities.
</blockquote>
The body of the boy was recovered some 5km downstream from her place of residence on Wednesday.
Land barons, most of whom are linked to ZANU PF, have been illegally selling council and State land to home seekers over the years.
Last week, ZANU PF distanced itself from land barons illegally parcelling out land in different parts of the country using its name and demanded that law enforcement agencies ensure that the law takes its course.
In a statement, ZANU PF acting secretary-general Patrick Chinamasa said that the ruling party did not condone the unlawful land occupations and illegal activities of land barons.
Harare Residents Trust (HRT) director, Precious Shumba, recently told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021584/council-by-laws-to-criminalise-land-barons">NewsDay</a> that land barons were to blame for flooding in Budiriro this month which affected several families. Said Shumba:
<blockquote>
Flooding is predictable in wetlands and low-lying areas such as Budiriro.
With all that knowledge, corrupt people in both council and the government have been collaborating with land barons to allocate people residential stands on the wetlands and water pathways without any consideration of the impacts of their actions.
If you visit and interview some of the victims, they reveal that identified council officials have misled the City of Harare by collecting money from the land barons and promising the desperate home seekers that nothing will happen to them.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mother Of Budiriro Boy (6) Swept Away By Floods Threatened By Land Barons

Statement by ZANU PF acting Secretary-General Patrick Chinamasa on Unlawful Land Occupations and the Illegal Activities of Land Barons:
<blockquote>
ZANU PF Statement on Unlawful Land Occupations and the Illegal Activities of Land Barons
1. ZANU PF is alarmed at the mushrooming and proliferation of illegal occupations and settlements on Communal, Local Authority and State land in and around major towns and cities, Rural Service Centres and Growth Points and perpetrated by Land Barons some of which are masquerading as ZANU PF supporters and through use of name dropping falsely suggest that their illegal activities have the authority and blessings of ZANU PF. Yet other Land Barons are using doctored and falsified documents as one of the strategies to mislead innocent Stands buyers to part with their hard-earned cash.
2. These illegal activities of Land Barons are currently very prevalent in Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East and Manicaland Provinces.
MASHONALAND WEST
3. In Mashonaland West province Land Barons are illegally parcelling out land on Lot 4 Somerby farm, fronting the Harare – Bulawayo Highway formerly owned by West Stone Hurst (Pvt) Ltd and measuring 102 hectares. Illegal settlements on Lot 4 Somerby farm, not only are they illegal but have given rise to violent clashes causing injuries to six persons namely Timothy Kuguyo, Monalisa Kuguyo, Medial Kuguyo, Kevin Gemu, Agnes Bhero and Otilia Gemu.
4. Also in Mashonaland West Province the following further farms are also being affected by illegal occupation and settlements; Penrose farm (143 ha), Lilfordia (660 ha), Haydon (744.57) Rainham (1200 ha) and Spitzkop (477 ha)
5. On Haydon Farm 4.1 ha of open spaces earmarked for a school and a hotel have been illegally occupied.
MASHONALAND EAST PROVINCE
6. In Mashonaland East Province, Land Barons are illegally selling residential stands on Resettlement Farms and the affected farms include, in Seke District under Manyame Rural District Council Longlands Farms, Kimcote Farm, Mnandi Farm which belongs to the late Cde Amos Midzi and Ealing farm which belongs to the late Colonel Katuka. Also badly affected by the prevailing wave of illegal occupations are villages outside Chitungwiza and most Rural Service Centres in Seke District, in particular, the Dema area has not been spared from the illegal land occupations.
7. Under The Goromonzi Rural Council area illegal settlements have been taking place at Proton Farm, Caledonia Farm and villages in the Domboshava and Chishawasha. In Caledonia, Land Barons are selling out land randomly and occupying spaces reserved for schools and clinics. Worse in the Goromonzi area is the fact that individual villagers and village heads have joined Land Barons in selling their land to prospective land buyers in rural areas like Chinhamhora and Chishawasha area.
MANICALAND PROVINCE
8. In Manicaland Province the ZANU PF Mutare DCC Chairman Yard Binali and some of the Mutare DCC members Brian Marange, Tawanda Ndawe, Webster Mudzimwa and Trust Matima are at the centre of the illegal distribution and occupations of land in the Gimboki area.
9. Also in Manicaland Province illegal parcelling out of land by unknown Land Barons has been reported to be taking place along Rusape River which provides water to Rusape town, but luckily the Law Enforcements Agents Police, Army and President’s Office have timeously intervened to stop the illegal resettlements.
10. In all illegal land occupation and parcelling out of stands the pegging of the stands is done using rudimentary methods measuring the perimeter of the stands using “nhano”.
ZANU PF POLICY ON ILLEGAL LAND SETTLEMENTS AND ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES OF LAND BARONS
ZANU PF wishes it to be known that on illegal occupations, illegal sale illegal parcelling out of stands and any illegal land developments on Communal, Local Authority, State and Privately owned Land its Policy is as stated below:
a) ZANU PF condemns without reservation the illegal settlements occupations, parcelling out and sale, of the aforementioned land without the permission of the relevant authority
b) ZANU PF’s policy is for planned urban settlements and this can only be done by relevant Local and Central Government Authorities.
c) ZANU PF has never granted authority to any of its general membership including persons who hold leadership positions at any level in the structures of the Party to participate in illegal occupations and land distributions whether as Buyers or Land Barons.
d) ZANU PF calls upon Law Enforcement Agencies to enforce the law without fear or favour.
e) ZANU PF wishes it to be known loud and clear that there is no land which should be considered to have no administering authority. Communal land is administered under the Communal Lands Act and is vested in the President of the Republic. State Land is also vested in the President and administered variously under the Ministries of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Water and Local Government and Public Works. Other land fall under the jurisdiction of Local Authority Councils. Finally, there is land which falls under private ownership. Therefore any occupation or settlement or development of any land requires the lawful, authorization of the relevant Planning Authority which has jurisdiction over such land.
f) Unplanned settlements are a recipe for future disaster and a Town Planner’s nightmare as they come without the necessary infrastructure such as water, sewerage, roads and electricity and invariably without land set aside for social amenities such as schools, hospitals, clinics, sporting facilities and business centres. It costs more in terms of resources to take corrective measures over illegally settled land.
g) ZANU PF Manicaland Province has already taken disciplinary action against the Mutare DCC Chairman Mr Binali and a number of his DCC colleagues, namely Brian Marange, Tawanda Ndawe, Webster Mudzimwa and Trust Matima. ZANU PF will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against any of its members reported to be participating in illegal Land Occupations and distribution whether as Buyers or Land Barons.
h) Finally ZANU PF demands that all illegal land occupations, illegal sale or parcelling out of land or stands and illegal land developments should stop forthwith and calls upon Law Enforcement Agencies to enforce the law and bring any perpetrators to book.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF Statement On The Illegal Activities Of Land Barons

ZANU PF has demanded that all illegal land occupations, sale or parcelling out of land and stands, as well as illegal developments, on communal, local authority and State land stop forthwith.
In a statement issued on Saturday, 30 December, ZANU PF acting Secretary-General Patrick Chinamasa warned land barons masquerading as ZANU PF members to stop their illegal activities. Said Chinamasa:
<blockquote>
ZANU PF is alarmed at the mushrooming and proliferation of illegal occupations and settlements on communal, local authority and State land in and around major towns and cities, rural service centres and growth points, and perpetrated by land barons, some of whom are masquerading as ZANU PF supporters and, through use of name dropping, falsely suggest that their illegal activities have the authority and blessings of ZANU PF.
Yet other land barons are using doctored and falsified documents as one of the strategies to mislead innocent stand buyers to part with their hard-earned cash.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF demands that all illegal land occupations, illegal sale or parcelling out of land or stands and illegal land developments should stop forthwith and calls upon law enforcement agencies to enforce the law and bring any perpetrators to book.
Chinamasa said no land in the country should be considered to have no administering authority. He said:
Communal land is administered under the Communal Lands Act and is vested in the President of the Republic. State land is also vested in the President and administered variously under the ministries…
<blockquote>
Other land fall under the jurisdiction of local authority councils. Finally, there is land which falls under private ownership.
Therefore, any occupation, settlement or development of any land requires the lawful authorisation of the relevant planning authority which has jurisdiction over such land.
</blockquote>
The ZANU PF Treasurer-General said illegal activities by land barons were prevalent in Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East and Manicaland provinces.
He said in Manicaland, action had been taken against five party members over illegal land deals.
The illegal activities of land barons have resulted in the mushrooming of shanty settlements across the country and the construction of homes on wetlands and riverbanks in urban areas.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF Warns Land Barons

Land officers have been urged to shun corruption in discharging their duties, especially in land distribution and dispute resolution, reported <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/?p=18590">ZBC News</a>.
The call was made by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Obert Jiri.
Jiri was speaking at a one-day land use and planning management training workshop held at the Midlands Convention Centre in Gweru last Thursday. Said Jiri:
<blockquote>
Let us make the land issue the pride of our nation through cultivating a culture of absolute transparency, and sincerity, and fostering a corrupt-free environment.
I want to take this opportunity to warn you that whoever will be involved in corruption entanglements will face the long arm of the law.
We want you to represent the ministry well by executing your duties well.
</blockquote>
Jiri also said there is a need to rotate land officers as a measure to mitigate corruption.
Ministry of Land officials have been accused of rampant illegal sales and distribution of state land.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Land Officers Warned Against Corruption

Police have confirmed the arrest of five suspected land barons in Mutare for illegally allocating housing stands on land that doesn’t belong to them.
In a statement this Wednesday, police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi identified the suspects as Binali Yard (48), Webster Mudzimwa (39), Tawanda Ndawe (42), Trust Matima (39), Brian Marange (59). Said Nyathi:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified operations against the illegal allocation of housing stands by land barons in several parts of the country in line with the recent press release on illegal settlements on agricultural land by the Honourable Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr A.J. Masuka and in conjunction with Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ministers, Provincial Development Coordinators and Ministry of Local Government and Public Works responsible for urban and local authorities.
</blockquote>
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi urged members of the public to report illegal acts by land barons by contacting the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197 or report at any nearest Police Station.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police Arrest Five Land Barons in Mutare

The Harare City Council has warned residents against buying residential stands on the remainder of Lot 3 of Porta Farm in Norton.
In a statement, Harare Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango said that the local authority is not selling the land, and those doing so are doing it illegally. He said:
<blockquote>
The City of Harare would like to advise members of the public that there are individuals illegally selling residential stands on the remainder of Lot 3 of Porta Farm in Norton.
Be advised that the property is wholly owned by City of Harare. The city is NOT selling the land.
The public is therefore warned against dealing with these land barons and report such occurrences to the nearest police station and to the City of Harare.
Any inquiries regarding this farm should be directed to the office of the Town Clerk.
</blockquote>
Local authorities in Zimbabwe face the challenge of “land barons”, politically connected individuals or groups who illegally acquire land, often through corrupt means, and then sell it for personal benefit.
This often results in the demolition of properties built on the land and the forced eviction of the settlers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Land Barons Descend On Porta Farm In Norton

Hundreds of illegal settlers in Retreat, Waterfalls, Harare are counting their losses after their dwellings were demolished on Friday last week.
More than 300 illegal structures were destroyed to allow Emmanuel Makandiwa’s United Family International Church (UFIC) to occupy the land that the families had been allocated by land barons.
The demolitions took place in an area popularly known as kumaCongo because some of the illegal stands were occupied by Congolese.
The Congolose reportedly bought the stands from a land baron who was popularly known as Nkomo but is now deceased.
Anti-riot police were deployed to the area on Friday ahead of the demolitions and were ordering people to leave by 3.30 PM.
In December 2022, UFIC founder and leader, Makandiwa gave the illegal settlers time to remove their structures on their own.
One of the evictees told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200019179/honeymoon-over-as-thousands-evicted-from-makandiwa-land">NewsDay</a> that they thought that there would be no demotions since they bought the stands through a ZANU PF “chairman”. He said:
<blockquote>
We were aware that Makandiwa was the owner of the land because we were issued notices long back.
We were just relaxed thinking that there would not be demolitions since we bought the stands through ZANU PF “chairman”. 
Some stands were sold for between US$10 and US$20. Anyone could wear party regalia and sell. This usually happens towards elections.
Some papers even had the City of Harare stamps. Some stands were advertised on Facebook and unsuspecting people could buy for US$2 000.
</blockquote>
UFIC secured a court order to demolish the 300 illegal structures on 19 September 2022 under case no HC3515/21.
Part of the land is earmarked for a housing scheme by UFIC members, Operation Nehemiah Housing Project.
UFIC spokesperson Pastor Prime Kufakunesu told NewsDay that the settlers were given notice on several occasions. He said:
<blockquote>
We obtained a court order, but Father Makandiwa gave reprieve to the settlers in December fearing that their property could be damaged by rains.
The people were told several times that the land belonged to UFIC but they have remained at the place.
Land barons were selling the land and we kept telling people it was ours. Maybe they bought out of desperation.
</blockquote>
The cleric added that the land was earmarked for an orphanage, church and residential stands.
Kufakunesu said more than 500 housing structures, flats and single houses would be built.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Hundreds Evicted From Makandiwa's Land In Harare

Villagers around Jerera Growth Point in Zaka District, Masvingo Province, are allegedly selling land to unsuspecting buyers.
The “unscrupulous” villagers have become a menace to Chief Ndanga born Wilson Makono and the Zaka Rural District Council.
Chief Ndanga told <a href="https://tellzim.com/zaka-villagers-turning-into-land-barons/">TellZim News</a> that in the past, the illegal selling of land was limited to village heads but now even villagers have become land barons.
Buyers are enticed by the proximity to Jerera Growth Point. Said Chief Ndanga:
<blockquote>
Village heads used to be major culprits but now villagers themselves have joined in, they are selling portions of their land to land seekers because they are close to Jerera Growth point.
We have been engaging them timely but they don’t listen. Now we are also engaging those who are buying land and telling them that when the time of expansion comes they may see their homes being destroyed.
Some members of the royal families are also selling land belonging to people who are based in towns or out of the country.
I have received a number of cases where brothers to village heads sell land behind village heads’ backs.
They usually target land that has not been tilled for some time and when owners come back they would find structures already in place.
However, we have regular punitive measures for such people and we are dealing with it.
At first, they were selling at around US$400 but because of demand, the prices have risen and recently I saw an advert advertising a piece of land being charged at US$1 000.
</blockquote>
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Zaka Central legislator where the area falls under, Davis Marapira (ZANU PF) confirmed the development. He said:
<blockquote>
It is true that land around Jerera Growth Point and along the road to Zaka Township has been sold without following proper procedures.
Land belongs to the State. It is only the President through the Local Government Ministry who can authorize the selling of land for commercial or domestic use after following proper procedures.
This is done illegally, the land being sold belongs to the community which uses the land for growing crops and keeping their livestock for their livelihood.
The law is clear that those who sold land will be prosecuted whilst, for those who bought the land, ignorance has no defence.
</blockquote>
TellZim News reported that the illegal selling of land is prevalent in villages Musiso, Mateko, Gwanya, Manyimo and Chipezeze among others.
The local authority, ZAKA RDC, is reportedly failing to curb the expansion of these villages into areas earmarked for Jerera expansion.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zaka Villagers Becoming Land Barons

The Municipality of Chitungwiza has warned residents against engaging in illegal development of stands without following due process.
In a public notice, Chitungwiza Acting Town Clerk Japson Nemuseso advised residents and land seekers to seek authority from the Council before carrying out developments on land. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
DEVELOPMENT CONTROL IN TERMS OF SECTION 24 OF THE REGIONAL, TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT (CHAPTER 29:12)
The Municipality of Chitungwiza has noted with great concern the proliferation of illegal development of stands in its area of jurisdiction without following due process.
Members of the Public are being warned to desist from such practices forthwith and are advised to seek authority from the Council in the form of development permits or approved building plans.
You are further reminded that to carry out any development, the stand beneficiary/owner should be in possession of the following documents:-
1. Offer letter
2. Signed Lease Agreement or Valid Proof of Ownership
3. Valid Service Clearance Certificate
4. Approved Site Plan
5. Signed Survey Diagram by a Registered Surveyor or General Plan Approved Civil Works designs by the Council
6. Approved Civil Works Designs by the Council
7. Approved and valid building plan
8. Copy of peg form
9. Copy of a Stage Form (Indicating inspected stages by Council)
Every structure under development should have a compliance file on site containing the documents listed above, including the Identification Document (I.D.) of the artisan registered with the Council.
Artisans are thus implored to come and register with the Council to avoid any inconveniences. After completion of construction stages, inspection and approval by the Council, a Certificate of Occupation is issued.
Please take note that any development done outside these guidelines risks being demolished and Council shall not be liable to pay any costs or compensation.
Members of the Public are being further warned against purchasing properties within the Chitungwiza area of jurisdiction without first verifying with the Council.
Further, be warned that Section 24 (4) of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12) criminalizes carrying out any development without an approved development order/permit/approved building plan and such offense attracts a fine not exceeding level seven or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both such fine and such imprisonment.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chitungwiza Warns Residents Against Illegal Occupation, Development Of Stands

The Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities has warned members of the public to be wary of land barons claiming to represent the ministry and fleecing unsuspecting people of their hard-earned money.
In a statement on Wednesday, 19 July, the Ministry said land barons are on the loose claiming to facilitate the construction of houses.
The Government urged the public to report the fraudsters, who could be companies, trusts, organisations or groups, to the police. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities would like to warn members of the public against unscrupulous companies, trusts, organisations or groups purporting to facilitate the construction of houses for individuals while demanding payments from unsuspecting home-seekers using the ministry’s name to authenticate their fraudulent activities.
The Ministry would like to categorically distance itself from such people and is treating them as fraudsters who should meet the full wrath of the law.
Any housing scheme by the ministry will be made known through a public notice in the mainstream media.
If anyone has fallen victim to such impostors and has unwittingly participated in such schemes, please make a formal report to your nearest police station.
We urge members of the public to exercise caution and verify with the ministry or respective local authorities before joining or paying for housing schemes.
The Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities will not be responsible for any losses that may be incurred by individuals who transact with such unscrupulous companies.
</blockquote>
A ballooning housing backlog countrywide has left tens of thousands of people at the mercy of land barons who acquire State land and sell it to desperate home seekers while pocketing the proceeds.
The Justice Tendai Uchena-led Commission of Inquiry into the Sale of State Land in and around Urban Settlement established that since 2005, land barons, housing cooperative leaders, property developers and politically-connected people have illegally sold $3 billion worth of urban State land.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ministry Of National Housing Warns Public Against Land Barons

The City of Harare has advised residents and home seekers who recently acquired offer letters for land to visit the Town House to verify the authenticity of the documents.
In a public notice, Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango said that some corrupt officials have been generating offer letters without Council authority and parcelling out land on wetlands. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
It has come to our attention that there are several offer letters that are being generated and offered without Council authority.
The majority of these offer letters are being backdated before being fraudulently offered to unsuspecting home seekers who are then instructed to settle on wetlands and land meant for other purposes.
Council is therefore calling on individuals who recently ‘acquired’ stands from the City of Harare to come forward with their offer letter and proof of payment to the TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE AT TOWN HOUSE for verification.
Please note that Council will not be held responsible for any offer letters or allocations that were and are still being fraudulently acquired.
</blockquote>
Over the years, politically-connected land barons have been illegally selling land to desperate home seekers and prejudicing local authorities of millions of dollars.
Residents have also suffered financial losses when local authorities destroy homes built on land acquired illegally.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

City Of Harare Warns Home Seekers Over Fake Offer Letters

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Anti-Corruption_Commission/">Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC)</a> has announced the arrest of Nyashadzashe Zindove, the District Development Coordinator for <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nyanga/">Nyanga</a> District and Chairperson of the District Lands Committee, for fraudulently allocating land to an applicant.
In a Twitter post seen by Pindula News, ZACC said the accused had knowledge that the land was private property. Zindove has since appeared in court and was granted bail of ZWL 150,000.
Fraudulent land allocation in Zimbabwe is a crime that carries severe consequences, including legal action, fines, imprisonment, and forfeiture of illegally acquired land. The Zimbabwean government has been taking steps to combat corruption and illegal land allocations, as they undermine the country’s land reform program and contribute to the housing crisis.
Land barons take advantage of election seasons to defraud citizens by promising land ownership in exchange for support for certain political parties or candidates. They target low-income earners and vulnerable groups, selling land they do not own, often on illegal or unsuitable sites, and charging exorbitant prices.
To avoid falling victim to such schemes, citizens are advised to verify the legality of any land deals before making payments. 
Firstly, ask the seller to provide the necessary documentation, such as title deeds, survey plans, and land permits, and verify their authenticity with the relevant authorities.
Secondly, conduct a site visit to confirm the location, size, and suitability of the land.
Thirdly, seek advice from local authorities, such as the District Administrator or Rural District Council, regarding legal requirements for land acquisition in the area.
Fourthly, engage a qualified lawyer who specializes in property law to verify the legality of the land deal and ensure that the transaction is conducted within the confines of the law.
Lastly, conduct a background check on the seller to ascertain their credibility and reputation, including their business registration status, track record in land transactions, and any complaints filed against them.
Over the years, local authority governments in the country have <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2022/011/05/harare-demolishes-illegal-houses-in-new-tafara/">demolished thousands of houses</a> and structures, claiming that they were built on illegally acquired land. Owners are not compensated hence the need to avoid being duped by land barons.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ZACC Arrests Nyanga Official For Fraudulent Land Allocation

The Harare City Council (HCC) has issued a press statement expressing concern over the illegal land invasions taking place in several suburbs within the City of Harare. In a statement seen by Pindula News, the city fathers said the land barons involved in these activities are fabricating allocation letters, receipts and diagrams to deceive unsuspecting home seekers, and forcing them to erect illegal structures overnight. Council has referred these cases to relevant law enforcement agents and the City’s Audit Division for prosecution. It is important to note that the City’s initiative to regularize settlements is being abused by the land barons, who are misleading residents that such settlements will be regularized. Residents are advised to remove the illegal structures themselves or risk demolition by the Development Control Section. We present the statement below:
<blockquote>
<h3>PRESS STATEMENT ON NEW LAND INVASIONS</h3>
Council has noted with concern the continuous illegal land invasions in various suburbs such as Glen View, Retreat (Harare-Chitungwiza Railway Reservation), Budiriro, Mufakose, Crowborough, Kuwadzana, Tafara/Mabvuku, Kambuzuma, Warren Park, Glen Norah, Mabelreign, Chisipite and The Grange among other surbubs.
Land barons are generating fake allocation letters, receipts and diagrams to which they use to dupe unsuspecting home seekers. 
The cases are being referred to the relevant law enforcement agents and City’s Audit Division for prosecution.
Council has noted that the land barons are misleading the beneficiaries that once they settle on these unplanned spaces, the City of Harare will regularise the areas.
The landbarons literally force the beneficiaries to put up illegal structures under the cover of the night and weekends and demand that someone must reside in these mostly wooden cabins and substandard structures.
This is clear misinterpretation and abuse of section 74 of Zimbabwe’s constitution which requires Local Authorities to obtain a court order in order to remove an illegal structure being used as a home.
It must also be said that, City of Harare’s noble initiative to try and regularize old settlements that suit the regularization template generated by the City is now being abused by lands barons through fresh land invasions and falsely believe that such settlements will be regularized. 
Residents are advised that, Section 49 of the Regional Town and Country Planning Act has no provision for regularization in retrospect of settlements located in reservation sites such as wetlands, institutional and recreational parks.
Additionally, the land barons mislead residents that due to the forthcoming elections, no illegal structures will be demolished since they have “political protection.”
This is a lie and residents are advised not to believe such deceptions. There is no single political party that owns or encourages land barons to engage in their nefarious and illegal settlement on open space and ecologically sensitive wetlands and such settlements will not be spared from demolitions.
Our Development Control Section now has the database of old and fresh illegal land invasions and will soon deploy bulldozers to remove such illegal settlements in the coming weeks.
All the necessary enforcement procedures and logistics are already in place and residents are strongly advised to remove the said illegal structures by themselves or risk the inevitable demolitions.
The City is determined to restore order in all areas within its confines.
</blockquote>
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Council Concerned About Illegal Land Invasions In Harare Suburbs

ZANU PF is offering title deeds to around 1.3 million people before this year’s elections, a move the ruling party says is aimed at shutting down land barons.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently issued 265 deeds of grant to Epworth residents. ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa told NewsDay yesterday that they had identified the owners of the properties. He said:
<blockquote>
We now have a system that creates title deeds. We are targeting to issue a prospective 1,3 million title deeds before elections. The houses have been built by developers and owners of the properties and they have been physically identified.
What is only left with is the regulatory framework which is the most painstaking process because we can’t make a mistake with a title deed because it is a document which can be passed from a generation to a generation and people can now apply for loans at the banks because of the title deeds.
Issuing the title deeds to the Zimbabweans is a blow to the land barons because they are the ones who were causing confusion in the parcelling of land and causing evictions.
</blockquote>
Political analyst Rejoice Ngwenya expressed skepticism about Zanu PF fulfilling their promise, saying that similar promises have been made before elections in the past. He added:
<blockquote>
However, as long as the surveying, boundaries are done and properties don’t violate environmental and other development laws, it can be done if they are genuine.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF has been accused of making empty promises towards elections.
In Zimbabwe, the issue of land barons is a significant concern, particularly in the lead-up to elections. Land barons are often connected to powerful political figures, and their activities have been linked to corruption and the abuse of power. 
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We're Targeting To Issue 1.3 Million Title Deeds Before Elections - ZANU PF

The Government is partnering with the private sector to provide housing stands to civil servants, reported the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/new-housing-deal-for-civil-servants-10percent-of-all-new-developments-reserved/">Chronicle.</a>
National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Daniel Garwe said that under the scheme, the Government sells land to property developers at discounted rates and then it is given 10 percent of the serviced stands.
The stands are then allocated to civil servants.
Following a week-long strike by teachers in early 2022, the Government promised to avail non-monetary benefits to civil servants which include housing, and payment of school fees for teachers’ children, among others.
Speaking during the tour of Radar Properties, King City project housing in Umguza District last Wednesday, Garwe said:
<blockquote>
We do not have all the resources such as adequate funding but we have affordable land.
We are therefore partnering with the private sector whereby we provide land and they service the land and give us the serviced stands for allocation to civil servants.
All we want is a small 10 percent of their serviced stands which we then allocate to Government workers.
</blockquote>
He said for every 2 000 stands serviced by private developers, Government gets 200 stands for civil servants.
Zimbabwe has an acute housing shortage which has resulted in the mushrooming of informal settlements across the country, mainly in peri-urban areas.
In 2020, Garwe said the country’s housing waiting list was 1.3 million according to aggregated data from the local authorities.
He said the Government had started a programme of seriously engaging private sector players like blue chip companies on the Stock Exchange, manufacturers, banks and, building societies, parastatals, pension funds, insurance companies, and mining houses for resources to clear the housing backlog.
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Govt Has New Housing Deal For Civil Servants - Minister Garwe

Thirty-one land and space barons have been arrested since the Government launched an operation to clamp down on land barons.
This was revealed by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa while addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday. She said:
<blockquote>
Pertaining to the prosecution of land and space barons, Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that there has been progress on new cases of land barons arrested under criminal abuse of duty and fraud, with a cumulative 31 arrests.
These are high-profile cases being handled by the Criminal Investigations Department in Harare, while low-profile cases are being dealt with at police stations countrywide.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has received a total of 426 cases, and so far 10 convictions have been secured since the operation commenced.
</blockquote>
The Government has been accused of promoting a “catch and release” culture whereby suspected criminals are arrested for show and then released to enjoy their ill-gotten riches.
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31 High Profile Land Barons Arrested - Govt

An elderly woman from Chigodora communal lands in Manicaland Province recently appeared at Headman Chigodora’s court for selling State land to desperate home-seekers.
<a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/specialist-hospital-to-open-in-august">The Manica Post</a> reported that Idah Kaserera allegedly subdivided and sold residential stands in the Chitakatira area of Mutare to eight land seekers for US$1 000 each.
She also pocketed US$200 more from each land seeker to create access roads to their stands.
The community court heard that all in all, Kaserera pocketed $9 600 from the land seekers.
In justifying her actions, Kaserera told the court that the land belongs to her family and therefore she could dispose of it as she pleases. She said:
<blockquote>
I sold my land after we gathered that the council wanted to repossess the land for residential purposes since it is in a peri-urban area.
I did nothing wrong and went on to charge the road fee as is the norm in all urban settlements.
The land is paid for in urban settlements, while residents have to pay for their roads to be serviced.
It was not fair for me to peg the road without receiving anything from the land seekers.
</blockquote>
Some of the land seekers claimed that Kaserera sold them land that belongs to her sons, Evson and Walter Kaserera, who now want their land back.
Headman Chigodora fined Kaserera US$2 400 for selling State land and also ordered her to reimburse the eight land seekers their money by 30 June 2023. Said headman Chigodora:
<blockquote>
This is State land and should never be sold. If you felt that you no longer wanted the land, you should have surrendered it back to Government through the village head and traditional leadership. Instead, you sold it to unsuspecting land seekers.
It is either you pay the fine or reimburse the land seekers their money and let them stay for free on that land.
If you opt to pay the fine and evict them, you still have to reimburse them the money they paid for the land and the expenses they incurred in developing the land.
</blockquote>
She said she would inform her children about the court ruling and decide on the next course of action.
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