Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
BEITBRIDGE Rural District Council (BBRDC) has issued a stern warning to illegal land occupiers and vendors operating in undesignated areas, as it moves to address a surge in illegal land deals and disorderly development within its jurisdiction.
In two separate public notices issued on Wednesday, the local authority said illegal land sales and occupation of State land and servitudes had become a cause for concern in the district, threatening planned development.
In Public Notice 22 of 2026, the BBRDC ordered all vendors and informal traders operating in undesignated areas, including rail and road servitudes at Lutumba Rural Service Centre, Mazunga business centre, Bubi business centre and other areas, to vacate by September 30 this year.
“All owners of illegal structures, makeshift stalls and tables are hereby directed to remove such structures immediately,” read part of the notice.
The Local Authority said those requiring legitimate operating space should register with its Spatial Planning Department for guidance and allocation of designated trading spaces.
In a more far-reaching move, the Council also issued Public Notice 23 of 2026 – a Blanket Enforcement Order in terms of Section 32 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12 of 1996) directed to all occupiers of peri-urban areas, Lutumba Airport, Highway Road servitude and Railway servitude, where the Council says development is being carried out without development permits.
According to the order, “All affected occupiers are ordered to discontinue the use of land, demolish the structures, and to restore the land to its original condition before the development.
“The order will come into operation 30 days from the date of publication. In terms of Section 38 of the Act, affected persons have one month to appeal, after which the operation of the order shall be suspended until the appeal is determined or withdrawn.”
However, the BBRDC warned that whether or not an appeal is lodged, it may, in terms of Section 34 of the Act, at any time before the order comes into operation, serve a Prohibition Order stopping continuation of the illegal development.
The local authority further warned that failure to comply will result in enforcement measures being taken with the assistance of law enforcement authorities, and restoration of the land will be done at the expense of the owner.
“Your cooperation is appreciated as Council strives to promote orderly development within Beitbridge Rural District,” said the BBRDC.
The council said illegal land sales by unscrupulous land barons and individuals misrepresenting themselves as landowners had created haphazard settlements around Lutumba, peri-urban Beitbridge and along the highway and railway corridors, some of which encroach on the Lutumba Airport land.
