Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
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GOVERNMENT will soon publicly expose individuals involved in illegal land sales in Matabeleland North Province as authorities intensify efforts to curb the growing problem, Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo has said.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Mhlahlandlela Government Complex in Bulawayo on Wednesday, Minister Moyo said his office has already identified several people allegedly involved in the unlawful sale of land and warned that stern action would be taken against them.
He said some of the suspects are traditional leaders while others are politicians who falsely claim to be acting on behalf of the ruling party or youth structures.
“We will not hesitate to name these people. Some are traditional leaders, while others are indeed politicians from our party. They go around claiming that they have the mandate of the party, that they represent the youths or something like that,” said Minister Moyo.
“I want to make it clear that land is only allocated and sold through the responsible Ministry. No individual has the authority to parcel out and sell land outside the laid-down Government procedures.”
The Minister said illegal land sales have become a major concern as unsuspecting members of the public continue to lose money to land barons and fraudsters who unlawfully allocate communal and resettlement land.
He reiterated Government’s commitment to restoring order in land administration and protecting communities from exploitation.
Minister Moyo urged members of the public to verify land ownership and allocation processes with relevant Government offices before making any payments or entering into land purchase agreements.
The warning comes amid a nationwide crackdown on illegal land allocations and sales, with authorities moving to safeguard State land and ensure that all allocations are conducted in accordance with the law.
Government has repeatedly stressed that any person found illegally allocating or selling land will face arrest and prosecution.
