The government has deployed police to ensure that all illegal settlers on state farmland immediately vacate the affected places as it moves to restore order and reverse the chaos created by the land barons.
Masvingo is also among the affected districts with hundreds of individuals in all seven districts of Masvingo Province – Bikita, Chiredzi, Gutu, Masvingo, Mwenezi and Zaka, which are said to be full of illegal settlers.
In a press statement, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, said in a press release that the government would not tolerate unauthorized occupation of state lands and warned that those who do so would face the wrath of the law.
“If you are illegally settling on community land, local authority land, state land, peri-urban land, rural service centers or growth point land, we advise you to vacate immediately and follow due process in acquiring the land,” he said.
“The government condemns without any reservation the illegal settlement and occupation of the aforementioned lands and their sale without obtaining permission from the competent authority.
“It is a criminal offense under the Zimbabwe Lands Commission Act (Chapter 20:29) and the Lands (Consequent Provisions) Act (Chapter 20:28) to occupy state land without lawful authority in the form of a permit, letter of offer or lease.”
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) was tasked with carrying out an operation to restore order and ensure the integrity of land allocation and settlement within the province.
Minister Chadzamira said the process began this week (January 10) and is expected to continue for a full month.
The ZRP has been directed to implement “Operation Order No. No to Land Barons” for the period from January 10, 2024 to February 9, 2024. The mission is to “bring rationality to state lands by arresting criminals involved in the occupation and sale of state lands without authority,” he said.
Minister Chadzamira said the illegal occupation had negatively affected agricultural productivity.
He added: “Illegal settlers are occupying watershed areas, wetlands, pastures, peri-urban areas and other agricultural lands, affecting productivity and threatening dams and river catchments with siltation.”
Applicants must obtain land through authorized offices and employees.
“For applications for farming and/or residential parking in resettlement areas, visit the nearest land management and land management office.
“For land applications in common areas and growth points, visit the local authority of the area,” Minister Chadzamira said. Chronicle
