Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
COMMUNITY leaders in Matabeleland South have bemoaned the growing wave of illegal land sales, accusing some traditional leaders and syndicates of parceling out State land for personal gain.
The concerns were raised over the weekend during the burial of Gideon Muleya, who is among the pioneers credited with setting up the Beitbridge Municipality following the upgrading of Beitbridge into a town by the Government in 2006.
Muleya was also a respected religious leader and senior traditional leader under Beitbridge East. He died on July 19 following a short illness at the age of 80.
Addressing mourners, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, warned that the Government will descend heavily on traditional leaders and syndicates involved in the illegal transactions.
“Communal land belongs to the State and is held in trust for the people. No individual, including traditional leaders, has the right to sell it. Those doing so are breaking the law and undermining development,” said the Minister.
“We’re documenting every case. Once the report is complete, the Government will act without fear or favour. The law will take its course.”
According to records so far, Beitbridge’s Wards 15 (Lutumba-Makhavhane), 4 (Matshiloni) and 13 (Joko resettlement) are the worst affected by illegal land sales involving traditional leaders.
The practice has led to chaotic settlements, conflict over boundaries, and disruption of planned development projects.
Minister Nguluvhe said the Government remains committed to protecting communal land and ensuring orderly settlement.
“Let it be clear. If you want land in communal areas, go through the proper channels. Work with your village head, headman, chief and the RDC. Bypassing that process and paying bribes to individuals will not give you legal ownership,” he said.
The Minister urged the local Rural District Development Committee, RDDC, to restore order at the proposed airport site.
“We cannot have people settling in a project area that is strategic for the development of the district and province. Order must be restored immediately,” he said.
Beitbridge Rural District Council chairman, Cllr Oscar Chiromo, said the RDC was already educating Ward Development Committees (WADCOs), including traditional leaders, on governance, community development and settlement procedures to address the growing concern.
Acting Headman Tshinoni of Beitbridge East said traditional leaders who are custodians of the land must protect it, not sell it.
“We will deal ruthlessly with all those caught selling communal land. My plea to the people is to follow proper procedures. Do not risk losing your property and money by buying land illegally,” he warned.
The illegal sales have also affected Government projects. In the Makavhane area, where the Government intends to construct an airport, villagers said the rate at which land was being illegally sold by some traditional leaders was worrisome.
Already, some people have settled illegally in the area earmarked for the airport.
When the airport site was identified, the Government earmarked 47 homesteads for relocation to pave the way for the development.
However, officials say some traditional leaders are accused of illegally selling and parcelling out land measuring 2.5km in width and 5km in length within and around the project area.
District Development Coordinator for Beitbridge, Miss Sikhangezile Mafu, said recently during a tour of the airport site that the Government was working with senior traditional leaders to halt illegal settlements.
Community members have welcomed the Government’s stance, saying illegal land sales were fueling conflict, undermining service delivery and scaring away investors.
They expressed hope that with the verification team on the ground and the RDC intensifying education, the Government will be able to restore order before things get out of hand.
Ends CKD PN
