adminFreeman Razemba Crime Reporter
ThIRTY-EIGHT suspected land barons in Hatcliffe, Harare, who were last week questioned by police over their involvement in the illegal parcelling out of State and council land in the area are still assisting with investigations, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere has said.
Minister Kasukuwere said the situation in the area had since been brought under control.
“We have brought the situation under control and they (land barons) are still being dealt with by the law enforcement agents. We need order and people must use the proper channels to acquire land not through chaotic ways,” he said. Minister Kasukuwere said they would ensure that sanity prevailed and all those who were parcelling out and selling State and council land were brought to book without fear or favour.
He confirmed visiting the area and said he had been concerned with the operations of land barons in Hatcliffe.
Zanu-PF Harare North legislator Cde Tongesai Mudambo, also urged the police to ensure that they would get to the bottom of the matter.
“Police should arrest all those found on the wrong side of the law and to ensure that the law takes its course. As a Member of Parliament for the area, I am there to protect the people. All corrupt officials should be brought to book,” he said.
Last Friday, police questioned 38 suspected land barons in Hatcliffe, as the number of those who have appeared in court in the last few weeks for duping people and illegally selling State and council land in the capital has risen to 50.
The 38 suspects were reported by their victims after they discovered that the land sold to them for residential stands was not properly acquired.
Most of the 50 suspects, who have so far appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts, were granted bail ranging between $200 and $3 000.
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