Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested 67 suspected land barons between January and October this year for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting home seekers, invading private properties and illegally occupying council land.
The suspects were arrested by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Anti-Corruption Unit in a crackdown targeting illegal land sales and invasions across the country.
The arrests involve cases of fraud, criminal trespass and contravening Section 24 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, with police warning members of the public against buying residential stands from unverified land developers and individuals.
National CID spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said the suspects had allegedly prejudiced hundreds of people through fraudulent land dealings and illegal occupation of properties.
She said 24 individuals and one housing co-operative were arrested for fraud involving 69 land seekers in areas including Warren Park, Tanaka, Glen View, Retreat, Waterfalls, Arlington, Chitungwiza, Mabvuku, Marimba, Headlands, Bluffhill, Crowborough and Borrowdale.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested 67 land barons between January and October 2026 in connection with cases of fraud, criminal trespass and contravening Section 24 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act.
“The arrests followed investigations by detectives from the CID Anti-Corruption Unit targeting individuals and entities involved in illegal land transactions,” said Detective Inspector Muteweri.
She said another 23 suspects had been arrested for criminal trespass after allegedly invading privately owned land and constructing structures without the consent of property owners.
The cases affected 78 victims in Mabvuku, Dzivarasekwa, Glaudina, Zengeza, Kuwadzana, Crowborough, Retreat, Waterfalls, Avondale, Caledonia and Epworth.
Meanwhile, 10 other suspects were arrested for allegedly occupying council-owned land without approval in areas including Eyestone in Waterfalls, Mutoko Centre, Mabvuku, Tanaka in Glen View and Retreat in Waterfalls.
Police also disclosed a number of convictions secured against individuals and companies involved in illegal land dealings
