By McGeorge Mbare
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has intensified its operations against illegal land allocations across the country in response to a surge in unauthorized settlements on communal, local authority, and state lands, particularly around major towns, cities, and growth points.
Historically, there have been numerous reports of illegal land occupation, with Matabeleland North province, especially in areas like Hwange and Umguza, highlighted as hotspots for these violations. Fast forward to October 2024, police have already made significant progress, leading to several arrests of individuals involved in these illegal activities.
In an official statement, the police revealed they have made a total of 184 arrests related to illegal land allocations nationwide.
They emphasized that those involved, commonly referred to as land barons, are violating constitutional laws and using falsified documents to mislead unsuspecting home seekers, resulting in unlawful constructions on state, wet, and grazing lands.
“The actions of these land barons violate the country’s laws, including the Gazetted Land Act (Chapter 20:28), the Land Commission Act (Chapter 20:29), the Rural District Councils Act (Chapter 29:13), and the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12),” the police statement reads.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police is urging all citizens to come forward and report any illegal activities conducted by land barons in order to ensure that the law is upheld. Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the National Complaints Desk or visit their nearest police station.
As the crackdown continues, the police aim to restore order and protect the rights of legitimate landowners, ensuring that the country’s land is allocated and used lawfully.