TONDERAI SAHARO
MASVINGO-The Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira has issued a stern warning to Zanu PF functionaries who are in the habit of illegally selling state land to unsuspecting stand seekers.
Chadzamira said the Government will come down heavily on those who are in the habit of parceling out state land to those who are seeking stands in and around urban settlements.
The Minister said the law will take its course and those found on the wrong side will face the music regardless of their political affiliation, which some take advantage of.
Chadzamira issued the stern warning while addressing a press conference at his Benjamin Burumbo offices, last Thursday and said the law enforcement agents are moving around the province’s 7 districts to ensure the culprits are brought to book.
Addressing journalists while flanked by provincial commanders security commanders who are members of the Joint Operation Command (JOC), Minister Chadzamira, said the rise of land barons has had a negative effect on agricultural and other developmental activities in the mainly arid province .
He said the Police is implementing the Operation Order No to Land Barons that began on 10 January 2024 and will end on 09 February.
The operation is expected to arrest offenders engaging in the occupation and sale of state land without authority.
“Land barons swindle people of their hard earned cash for selfish gains and this has led to the sprouting of informal settlements on properly planned farms and grazing land and in some cases on land already allocated to other beneficiaries.
“Many residents were duped into illegally occupying state land without following the properly laid down procedures,” he said.
The minister said it is a criminal offense for one to occupy state land without lawful authority in the form of a permit, an offer letter or a lease and urged those who know that they are on the wrong side of the law to immediately vacate before the long arm of the law catches up with them.
“Government condemns without any reservations the illegal settlements, occupations parceling out and sale of aforementioned land without the permission of relevant authorities.
“You are advised to vacate immediately and follow due process in acquiring land,” he said.
Individuals loke Obediah Msindo of the Destiny for Africa allegedly became millionaires overnight through selling of state land like in Gimboki area in Mutare which has jolted the Government into action.
