THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a robust operation targeting illegal land allocations orchestrated by land barons across the country.
This initiative comes in response to a significant increase in unlawful settlements on communal, local authority and State lands, particularly in urban areas and growth points.
“This follows the proliferation of illegal settlements on communal, local authority and State lands, particularly around major towns, cities and growth points,” said national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
Investigations by the ZRP revealed that land barons have been utilising falsified documents to mislead unsuspecting home seekers, leading to unauthorised constructions on protected State, wet and grazing lands.
“The actions by land barons violate the country's laws including the Gazetted Land (Consequential Provisions) Act, Chapter 20:28, Land Commission Act, Chapter 20:29, Rural District Councils Act Chapter 29:13 and Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, Chapter 29:12,” said Nyathi.
He said police have made 184 arrests in connection with illegal land allocations, encouraging the public to report “any illegal activities by land barons to ensure that the law takes its course”.
