Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
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GOVERNMENT has put on notice individuals illegally selling land in Matabeleland North, with the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, warning that the law will be ruthless on those involved in the practice.
Addressing the media at his Mhlahlandlela Government Complex offices in Bulawayo on Wednesday, Minister Moyo, flanked by members of the Joint Operations Committee (JOC) and the Permanent Secretary in his office, Ms Sithandiwe Ncube, said law enforcement agencies would not hesitate to arrest anyone found on the wrong side of the law, regardless of their standing in society.
The minister said reports from District Development Coordinators, traditional leaders and District Lands Committees across the province indicate that illegal land sales, commonly known as “sobhuku deals”, are on the rise in several areas.
He said individuals were unlawfully selling communal land, resettlement land, wetlands, riverbanks and land reserved for public amenities such as schools, clinics and roads.
“These actions are illegal, harmful to communities and a threat to the environment and orderly development. Many people have bought land in good faith, but without approval from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and the relevant Rural District Council, such transactions have no legal standing,” said Minister Moyo.
He said the law is explicit that communal and resettlement land cannot be privately sold by traditional leaders or individuals and that construction on wetlands, riverbanks and other protected areas is prohibited.
Minister Moyo said Government would move decisively to halt all illegal land sales and settlements across the province.
“Government will act firmly and immediately to stop all illegal land sales, verify existing allocations through the appropriate offices, relocate families where necessary from dangerous areas and ensure that those behind these illegal activities are investigated and prosecuted,” he said.
The minister urged members of the public to exercise caution when acquiring land and to verify all allocations through the relevant authorities before making any payments.
He said people who purchase land through unofficial channels risk losing both their money and any developments undertaken on such land.
Minister Moyo reiterated Government’s commitment to promoting orderly settlement patterns, environmental protection and sustainable development, adding that all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, local authorities and law enforcement agencies, must work together to eliminate illegal land transactions.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of unauthorised settlements in some parts of the province, which authorities say are undermining proper land use planning and threatening environmentally sensitive areas.
