Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
POLICE have arrested 67 suspected land barons between January and October this year in a nationwide crackdown on fraudulent land sales, illegal occupation of private property and invasions of council land.
The arrests followed investigations by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Anti-Corruption Unit targeting individuals and entities allegedly involved in illegal land transactions.
The suspects face allegations including fraud, criminal trespass and contravening Section 24 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act.
National CID spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said the alleged illegal land dealings had prejudiced hundreds of unsuspecting home seekers and property owners.
She said 24 individuals and one housing co-operative had been arrested in connection with fraud cases involving 69 land seekers in areas including Warren Park, Tanaka, Glen View, Retreat, Waterfalls, Arlington,
Chitungwiza, Mabvuku, Marimba, Headlands, Bluffhill, Crowborough and Borrowdale.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested 67 land barons between January and October 2026 in connection with cases of fraud, criminal trespass and contravening Section 24 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act.
“The arrests followed investigations by detectives from the CID Anti-Corruption Unit targeting individuals and entities involved in illegal land transactions,” she said.
Det Insp Muteweri said a further 23 suspects had been arrested for criminal trespass after allegedly invading privately owned properties and constructing structures without the owners’ consent.
The cases involved 78 victims in Mabvuku, Dzivarasekwa, Glaudina, Zengeza, Kuwadzana, Crowborough, Retreat, Waterfalls, Avondale, Caledonia and Epworth.
She said another 10 suspects had been arrested for allegedly occupying council-owned land without approval in areas including Eyestone in Waterfalls, Mutoko Centre, Mabvuku, Tanaka in Glen View and Retreat in Waterfalls.
Police also revealed several convictions secured against individuals and companies implicated in illegal land dealings.
Unibrik Construction Company, represented by Matheus Dunchen, was convicted of contravening Section 24 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act and was warned, cautioned and discharged.
Primrose Chakuchichi was convicted of fraud and fined US$450. The court also ordered her to pay US$7 500 in restitution to the complainant through the Clerk of Court.
Anderson Sitoro was convicted of contravening the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, with an option to perform 210 hours of community service.
Mavis Madzivanzira, who was convicted of defrauding 10 complainants, was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment, with 10 months suspended, leaving an effective prison term of 60 months.
Tendai Masawi and Tatenda Murungweni were each convicted of defrauding a complainant through the sale of a non-existent residential stand. They were each sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, with an option to perform 350 hours of community service.
Munodawafa Gavi was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, with an option to perform 210 hours of community service, after being convicted of defrauding a complainant through the sale of a residential stand.
Det Insp Muteweri urged members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing residential stands and verify the legitimacy of land developers and sellers before making payments.
She also appealed to the public to assist police investigations by providing information on suspected land barons and illegal land transactions.
Det Insp Muteweri said anyone with credible information could report to the nearest police station or contact Police General Headquarters on 0242 703631 or via WhatsApp on 0712 800197.
