The Government of Zimbabwe has issued a stern warning to traditional leaders who engage in the illegal sale of State land, emphasizing that such actions will lead to arrest and prosecution. This follows a notable increase in unlawful land transactions, particularly in regions surrounding Harare Metropolitan.
Officials are alarmed by reports that some village heads and traditional leaders are misusing their authority to allocate and sell communal land to unsuspecting buyers. These transactions often occur without any legal documentation or government approval, leaving many vulnerable to exploitation.
Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, stated that the Government is committed to eradicating this illegal practice. He highlighted that improper land management is detrimental to community welfare and exposes people to fraudulent schemes.
“Traditional leaders do not have the authority to sell State land,” Prof Jiri clarified. He reminded the public that communal land is held in trust by the State and must be managed according to legal guidelines.
Investigations have revealed that certain traditional leaders are unlawfully allocating land by providing informal handwritten notes or verbal promises in exchange for payments from those seeking land. This practice has become particularly prevalent among urban residents, civil servants, and members of the diaspora.
Areas near major cities, such as Seke and Domboshava, have seen an increase in these unlawful activities, driven by a high demand for land. According to Prof Jiri, some individuals exploit their position of trust to deceive those in need of land for housing or farming.
“Leaders who engage in these practices have been warned,” he stated, classifying such actions as criminal offenses that warrant arrest. He stressed that this behavior betrays the trust communities place in their traditional leaders.
To legally acquire land, Prof Jiri explained that individuals must adhere to established procedures, including submitting an application to the Minister of Lands. The Minister holds the authority to allocate land on behalf of the President, and any unauthorized sale of agricultural land is strictly prohibited.
Prof Jiri also cautioned that many people, including Zimbabweans in the diaspora, have lost significant amounts of money after being deceived into purchasing communal land that lacks legal titles. He urged the public to be vigilant and follow the legal framework for land acquisition to avoid becoming victims of fraud.
