Three accused of settling people on grazing land

Conrad Mupesa Mashonaland West Bureau

Three people from Kadoma have been accused of invading grazing land in Chakari and settling unsuspecting people on the land without Government knowledge.

An unconfirmed number of people has so far benefited from at least 140 hectares belonging to Alabama villagers in Chakari Constituency meant for livestock pastures.

Village Development Coordinator Mr Misheck Gumbo said the errant characters had also engaged in massive deforestation, defeating the village’s conservation efforts.

“We have lost land meant for paddocks and grazing purposes in our area in Alabama situated in Chakari Constituency,” he said. “The invaders have taken up to 140 hactares of land without authority from the District Lands Committee.

“Three identified people invaded, pegged, allocated and parceled out land to individuals that they selected.”

President Mnangagwa last week issued a stern warning against youths who were invading land, saying the era of land invasions was long gone.

The villagers have since sought an audience with the Sanyati District Development Coordinator (DDC) Mr Amigo Mhlanga.

Mr Mhlanga confirmed the invasions and said he would act once an official complaint was lodged with his office.

Mr Mhlanga, who also chairs the District Lands Committee, said land invasions were illegal.