Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Police have arrested 67 suspected land barons and illegal land dealers countrywide since January, with detectives uncovering cases in which dozens of home seekers were allegedly defrauded through the illegal sale of residential stands.
The suspects were arrested in separate operations targeting land-related fraud, criminal trespass and the illegal subdivision and sale of land.
The crackdown has exposed the scale of the illegal land dealings, with police saying 69 home seekers were allegedly defrauded in cases involving land in Warren Park, Tanaka, Glen View, Retreat, Waterfalls, Arlington, Chitungwiza, Mabvuku, Marimba, Headlands, Bluffhill, Crowborough and Borrowdale.
A further 78 people were affected by cases involving the illegal occupation of private land, where suspects allegedly invaded properties and constructed structures without the consent of the owners.
In a statement, Criminal Investigations Department deputy spokesperson Detective Assistant Inspector Merylin Muriro, said the arrests were made between January and October this year by detectives from the CID Police Anti-Corruption Unit.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police names and shames 67 land barons who were arrested in connection with cases of fraud, criminal trespass involving land and contravening Section 24 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act in which they were selling land to unsuspecting buyers,” she said.
Among those arrested in connection with alleged land-sale fraud are: Ian Mushonga, Lovejoy Maponga, Salem Saini Marata, Constance Tembo, Edward Whele, Washington Chikata, Howard Machiha, Musina Bvumai, Stephen Guzha, Andrew Chabvuta, Tinashe Maduza, Rast Phiri, Stewart Fremenga and Cynthia Fremenga.
Other suspects in the fraud cases include Pearson Chinanga, Robert Makwiza, Patricia Rusike, Stella Sanyika, Kennedy Shayamano, Mitchel Nyasha Rusero, Rearson Tembo, Pearson Madhara and Reginald Mukusuma.
Police said the alleged fraud cases affected home seekers in some of Harare’s high-density and low-density suburbs, as well as Chitungwiza and other areas.
A separate group of suspects was arrested for allegedly invading private properties and constructing structures without the owners’ consent.
Among them are: Elliah Hamandishe, James Chabvura, Prisca Nyaruwembu, Tyson Chabvura, Noah Chabvura, Marvelous Khumalo, Ephrage Gwavava, Reason Maukazuva, Tonderai Shumbayaonda and Spencer Machangara.
Police said the criminal trespass cases affected victims in Mabvuku, Dzivarasekwa, Glaudina, Zengeza, Kuwadzana, Crowborough, Retreat, Waterfalls, Avondale, Caledonia and Epworth.
Another 10 suspects were arrested for allegedly occupying council-owned land without approval.
The suspects, according to police, invaded council land in Eyestone, Waterfalls, Mutoko Centre, Mabvuku, Tanaka in Glen View and Retreat.
The crackdown has already resulted in a number of convictions, with some offenders receiving substantial prison terms.
Mavis Madzivanzira was convicted of defrauding 10 complainants and sentenced to 70 months in prison, with 10 months suspended, leaving an effective sentence of 60 months.
Tendai Masawi and Tatenda Murungweni were convicted of defrauding a complainant through the purported sale of a non-existent stand and were each sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment or 350 hours of community service.
Munodawafa Gavi, who was convicted of defrauding a complainant over a stand, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment or 210 hours of community service.
Anderson Sitoro was convicted under the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act and sentenced to six months in prison or 210 hours of community service.
Primrose Chakuchichi was convicted of defrauding a complainant and fined US$450, while she was also ordered to pay US$750 in restitution through the clerk of court.
Unibrik Construction Company, represented by Matheus Dunchen, was also convicted of contravening Section 24 of the Regional, Urban, Town and Country Planning Act and was cautioned before the case was discharged.
The police have urged the public to assist investigations by providing evidence against suspected land barons and illegal land dealers.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges members of the public to support members of the police by freely giving evidence in respect of land barons,” Det Asst Insp Muriro said.
“Anyone with credible information should contact the nearest police station or contact Police General Headquarters on 0242 703631 or WhatsApp 0712 800197.”
