By Takudziridzwa Nyama
Seven people have been sentenced to five months in jail by the Harare Magistrates’ Court for illegally occupying and developing land in Cloverdale B of Galloway Estate, Goromonzi.
The convicted individuals, Bamsi Magaisa(56), Philip Kambuto(48), Joel Madziva(45), Isaac Wiliseni(49), Togarepi Mudzudza(46), Shelly Chapwanya(52), and Tatenda Ndlovu(23), were found guilty of violating the Regional, Town, and Country Planning Act.
According to National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the group illegally pegged and allocated residential stands without government approval between April and October 2024. Glorious Properties Pvt Ltd was the authorized developer of the land, having secured an agreement with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
The accused individuals built structures without permission, causing disruptions to planned developments and damaging roads, water pipes, and survey pegs.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has warned land barons and illegal settlers to cease their unlawful activities or face prosecution, emphasizing the importance of acquiring land through legal channels.
Many desperate home seekers in Zimbabwe have lost their money to land barons, who produce fake documents claiming ownership of the land and the government has promised a crackdown on all land barons