The government has warned traditional leaders not to sell State land, saying it is illegal and anyone caught will face prosecution.
The warning comes amid growing concern that some village heads and other traditional leaders are abusing their power by selling communal land to buyers without legal approval or documentation. This practice is often called “Sabhuku Land Deals.”
Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, said the government is determined to stop the illegal sales, which are disrupting proper land management and putting communities at risk of being exploited. Said Jiri:
“Traditional leaders do not have the authority to sell State land. Leaders who engage in these practices have been warned. It has been declared criminal and warrants arrest.
“If anyone is desperate for land, they should follow due process. This includes applying to the Minister of Lands, who has the authority to allocate land on behalf of the President.
“Any unauthorised attempts to sell or parcel out agricultural land are strictly forbidden.”
He said investigations show that some rogue traditional leaders are handing out communal land informally, giving people handwritten notes or just verbal promises, and asking for money from desperate land seekers.
Often, these illegal deals involve middlemen or “land barons” who target city residents, civil servants, and people living abroad, falsely claiming the land is secure and will later be made official.
The practice is common in peri-urban areas like Seke, Domboshava, and other spots near major cities, where land is in high demand.
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