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Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has ordered all individuals who illegally pegged and occupied land around the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport to vacate immediately.
Speaking at a press briefing in Harare yesterday, Presidential Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti issued a final warning to land barons and their clients, declaring that their “days are numbered”.
“Name droppers have been put on notice several times and we are tired of talking as Government,” said Eng Muguti.
“And now it is time for us to act; we don’t care what position you hold in the party. We don’t care what position you hold in Government.
“As long as you are committing crimes, abusing your office and abusing the name of the President and the Vice Presidents and any other senior officials, the law will soon catch up with you.”
He said investigations by the Office of the President and Cabinet had revealed that land barons were behind the invasion of both the yellow and red zones surrounding the airport, areas considered highly sensitive for aviation security.
“We are aware who these people are,” Eng Muguti said.
“And we have also noticed that the same individuals have now invaded the yellow and red zones of the Harare (RGM) International Airport.
“To all those who have pegged land in the vicinity of the Harare International Airport (Robert Mugabe International Airport), please pack your things and vacate immediately.
“This is not a civil matter, but a security and criminal matter and we will deal with it decisively.”
Eng Muguti also said the Government would not intervene on behalf of offenders once the courts have ruled against them.
“The law is the law, as Government will never interfere with the judicial system.
“If an order for a demolition comes from the High Court, it will be implemented because you would have committed a crime.
“Land is not bought like sweets on the road.
“Let’s buy land through lawyers, following the proper procedures, paying our capital gains tax and everything else when you’re buying properties.”
He further raised concern about an increase in rogue estate agents, stressing that Government is now moving to clamp down on such practices to protect citizens from land scams.
Online Reporter