Vusumuzi Dube
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
ZANU-PF Secretary-General Dr Obert Mpofu has warned the provincial party leadership in Matabeleland North Province against engaging in the illegal sale of land in the Insuza area saying those involved were going to face the music.
Dr Mpofu said the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) is investigating the issue of illegal sale of resettlement land by unscrupulous individuals among them party leaders.
Speaking at a party meeting in Ward 11, Umguza District, Matabeleland North Province yesterday he reassured the Insuza community that Zanu-PF was dedicated to addressing their concerns, particularly in light of their recent loss of grazing land to greedy individuals and their exclusion from various empowerment initiatives by the party.
“I was approached by villagers of Insuza expressing their worry about people who are selling land. Many of these individuals are associated with our party. We have received their names and we have informed ZACC,” Dr Mpofu said.
“This area was once a stronghold of Zanu-PF, but we have lost it because of those engaging in criminal activities under the guise of the party. I am here to warn them that the law will take its course and they will be prosecuted,” he added.
He said several years ago, many people were relocated to the Nyamandlovu area to create sufficient grazing space, only for that land to be illegally sold off.
“These individuals have been deceitfully claiming they are acting on behalf of party leadership, which we deeply regret. In 1995, before I became the MP for Bubi-Umguza, I accompanied the late Vice-President Joseph Msika to help regulate this settlement, previously deemed a squatter camp.
“We achieved proper settlement and ensured enough land for grazing. Unfortunately, after my departure, criminals infiltrated and began illegally selling land, especially to those in the diaspora,” he said.
He emphasised that land should be reserved for the community’s children, who are meant to benefit from it as they grow and establish families of their own.
Dr Mpofu also urged party leaders in Government positions to respect and value the citizens they represent.
“As the party’s Secretary-General, I want to remind our leaders that the people are more important than the positions they hold. They should treat the public with the respect they deserve, just as our President does,” Dr Mpofu stated.
“I work closely with the President and can attest to his unwavering commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of our people.”
Dr Mpofu was accompanied by Zanu-PF Umguza coordinator Cde Happiness Sibanda and members of the Zimbabwe Liberated Girl Child in Action (ZLGCA), along with his family who donated a borehole to the community in Ward 11.
Representing Dr Mpofu’s family Cde Mbonisi Mpofu described the donation as part of their and Zanu-PF’s ongoing commitment to developing the area.
Villagers called on the ruling party to intervene in the ongoing illegal selling and subdivision of their land.
Online Reporter