Following the recent increase in illegal settlements on farmlands and pastures across rural and urban areas, the government has ordered concerned perpetrators to vacate the areas immediately or face the wrath of the law.
According to the Land Commission Act, occupying state land without legal authority in the form of a permit, offer letter or lease is a criminal offense under the Land Act (later provisions).
Traditional leaders are also not allowed to sell land, and those found guilty will be punished.
Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxius Masuka, said the government would not regulate those who settle on state land without procedurally issued tenure documents, adding that the full wrath of the law would be applied in such cases.
“The government has noted with concern the increasing number of illegal settlers on agricultural lands. As a result, the public is informed that only the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development is authorized to issue agricultural land tenure documents, as he administers the relevant laws assigned to him by the President.”
Masvingo’s Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Authority, Ezra Chadzamira, echoed Dr Masuka’s warning who urged concerned persons not to continue residing on illegal lands, but to follow the correct procedures.
“I have been ordered to vacate immediately and follow due process in obtaining the land. The government condemns without any reservation the illegal settlement, occupation, division and sale of land without permission from the relevant authorities.
“The land belongs to the president. Nobody, but delegated powers in various departments have permission to divide the lands. Report such activities,” he said.
Recently, the government directed all local authorities to stop selling public and agricultural lands with immediate effect.
Ordinary Zimbabweans welcomed the initiative, saying it was important for people to access land legally, saying such practices violate land reform regulations, which are crucial to environmental conservation.
Mr Stanley Magwaza of Warren Park 1 said land designated for agriculture should not be used for other purposes.
“This is a positive step in the right direction. We appreciate the government’s efforts and are here to support this move. We also ensure food security if the land is used in line with its purpose.
“The residential area cannot be similar to agricultural land. “Moreover, this creates a lot of problems because these lands are not suitable for settlement.”
Mr. John Kandiro of Kambuzoma said people must ensure that they follow proper procedures to acquire land so as not to destroy the lives of future generations.
“Agricultural lands are not for residential purposes,” he said. “We see families suffering due to floods, diseases spreading because the land is not properly maintained to ensure proper drainage, and drinking water is likely to be contaminated, leading to the spread of diseases.”
Mr. Terrence Chakanyuka of Hubley Farm said building houses on farmland puts food and nutrition security at risk.
“Such measures harm the push towards food and nutrition security. Land must be acquired legally,” he said.
It is a criminal offense, under the Zimbabwe Lands Commission Act (Cap. 20;29) and the Lands (Consequent Provisions) Act (Cap. 20;28), to occupy state land without lawful authority in the form of a permit, letter of offer or
rent.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Land Commission (ZLC) has successfully completed its land audit and come out with a Land Information Management System (LIMS), which will address issues such as multiple farm ownership and dual allocation. President Mnangagwa recently received the final report covering 254,538 farms across the country. Announce
