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Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
THE government has instituted investigations over allegations that some chiefs in Masvingo are illegally selling land. The Minister of State for Masvingo Province Cde Shuvai Mahofa said yesterday that a probe team to look into allegations of the land sales by traditional leaders had been appointed. She said any traditional leader found on the wrong side of the law would face the consequences as chiefs are expected to uphold laws of the land.
“Yes, there are investigations being carried out in Masvingo district over that issue. Presently, we are waiting for the results. The acting district administrator, Makepeace Muzenda is seized with the matter,” said Minister Mahofa. She said all traditional leaders must realise that the Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement was responsible for land distribution and those found illegally parcelling it out would be prosecuted.
Minister Mahofa said once investigations prove that there are chiefs involved in illegal land sales, corrective measures would be taken. “Chiefs should be aware that the distribution of land is the responsibility of the Ministry of Lands and Resettlement. The law is very clear on this,” said Minister Mahofa.
Officially opening the 58th edition of Matabeleland South Agricultural Show in Gwanda recently, Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko said all chiefs, headmen and kraal heads who sell State land would be arrested.
He said the practice of selling State land is rife in resettlement areas. In urban areas, the government has descended on land barons and a number of them have been arrested and their cases are pending before the courts.
derick.khumalo