Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa – Herald Reporter
A major land scandal unfolded on 2 April 2026 at the traditional court of Chief Seke, where a woman accused of illegally selling wetlands as residential stands was brought before the authorities in a high-profile hearing attended by Government departments and local officials.
The case, lodged by Manyame Rural District Council, alleges that the woman identified as Mrs Tshuma bribed village heads to gain control of protected wetland areas, which she then subdivided and sold as residential stands outside the country’s legal land allocation framework.
According to testimony heard in court, the accused allegedly paid bribes ranging from US$6,000 to US$70,000 in exchange for wetland land allocations.
It was revealed that as many as 15 village heads were implicated after admitting they received money to release portions of wetlands for development.
According to well placed sources, the matter gained national attention after it was escalated to the highest offices.
The accused was questioned over the authority she claimed to possess and her alleged disrespect toward the traditional leadership responsible for safeguarding communal land.
Following the meeting, Police reportedly transported the woman to Chief Seke’s court to face proceedings under civil and traditional legal processes.
During the hearing, the court ordered the accused to provide a written list of all individuals involved in the transactions.
Officials also called for strict punishment of any village head found to have accepted money for selling wetlands, including removal from office.
In the ruling, the accused was issued a stern warning and given two weeks to demolish all illegal structures built in the wetlands and restore the land to its original condition.
The court noted that wetlands must be preserved to protect water sources and the environment, emphasizing that the area is meant for conservation not settlement expansion.
Authorities said monitoring would continue to ensure compliance, warning that further action will be taken against anyone found to be undermining environmental laws and community land governance.
