Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Itayi Ndudzo has called for an end to illegal settlements in Seke district and challenged locals to secure their heritage by blocking illegal settlers.
He made the call while addressing the people of Seke on the increasing incidents of illegal settlers, particularly in the Dema area.
Advocate Ndudzo visited the district after reports of rampant illegal settling in Seke.
“There are some who are now treating this area as a game park. They behave like animals, just settling everywhere, unlawfully,” he said.
“This is not supposed to happen at all; this area is not a game park. Let me tell you something, the law is supposed to be respected. People must not just settle unlawfully and expect the Government not to take action; the law will be applied regardless of who you are.
“There are procedures that people should follow when they need land. All I am saying is do not be found doing the wrong thing. I appeal to you, the people of Seke, preserve your precious land. Do not allow people to settle here illegally. What will happen to the next generation if you sell all your land to other people illegally?”
Advocate Ndudzo challenged village heads present not to allow people to settle in their areas without following the proper procedure.
“Do not be found on the wrong side of the law. You must say not in my village,” Advocate Ndudzo said.
“You must abide by the law. I want us to agree today that this issue of illegal settlements has ended. Village heads, say no to Illegal settlements in your areas of jurisdiction.”
Chief Seke commended the Government for intervening to stop illegal settlements in his area of jurisdiction.
“After witnessing the rampant parcelling of land in Seke, I approached the Government and it listened, hence this address today and I thank you, Advocate Ndudzo,” he said.
“I am happy that you engaged the people productively. What is important is for people to obey the law. No country under the sun allows its people to settle randomly and unlawfully. Then why is this happening here in Seke?
“As the Chief, I was emotionally moved when one person admitted that they broke the law but appealed to authorities to allow them to settle lawfully. That honesty is rare, and as your Chief, I want everyone to accept their mistake so that it can be corrected and also avoided in the future.”
Chief Seke warned village heads to stop parcelling out land illegally and ensure the preservation of their heritage.
“To all the village heads, I implore you to be lawful, you are my ears and eyes,” said Chief Seke.
“But when you break the law, I will not hesitate to use the same law against you. Seke is burning while you are watching. This should never happen. Yes, people have been settled illegally in Seke, but this should be the last time we hear of illegal settlements in Seke.
“I urge the people of Seke to stop selling their heritage. Today, we are saying it for the last time, no more selling of land illegally here in Seke. Anyone found on the wrong side will be arrested. The law will be applied without fear or favour, whether you like it or not, the law will be applied.”
