Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo
Midlands Bureau
A joint law enforcement operation in Zvishavane District has been launched to clamp down on land barons amid growing concern over the unlawful parcelling out of communal and agricultural land.
The operation, which brings together the Zimbabwe Republic Police, local authorities and other Government agencies, is targeting ‘Sabhuku deals’ – illegal transactions in which village heads and land dealers sell communal or State land without the necessary approvals.
Authorities say illegal land sales have intensified in recent months, with tracts of farmland and communal land being subdivided and sold to desperate home-seekers.
Zvishavane District Development Coordinator Mr Darlington Chokera confirmed the development.
“This communication serves to inform you of an ongoing strict law enforcement operation being conducted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police in conjunction with the Ministry of Lands and Rural Development,” said Mr Chokera.
“Government has noted with concern a rising trend of illegal land sales within our communal areas,” he said.
Mr Chokera said reports indicate that several village heads are subdividing communal grazing land, river banks and State land for sale to prospective home-seekers.
Chiefs have been notified that police officers will be visiting their areas as part of the enforcement exercise, which started on June 30.
Mr Chokera said the illegal transactions are fuelling disorder in communities, triggering disputes and threatening food security through the loss of productive agricultural land.
The crackdown forms part of Government’s wider efforts to protect State land and restore order in land allocation systems.
