According to the Land Commission Act, it is a criminal
offence in terms of the Gazetted Lands (Consequential Provisions) Act to occupy
State land without lawful authority in the form of a permit, an offer letter or
a lease.
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 Anxious Masuka said Government would not regularise those that
settle themselves on State land without procedurally issued tenure documents
adding that the full wrath of the law would be applied in such cases.
“Government has noted with concern the increased number of
illegal settlers on agricultural land. As a result, the public is notified that
only the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development
is authorised to issue tenure documents on agricultural land, as he administers
relevant Acts assigned to him by the President,” he said.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and
Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira echoed Dr Masuka’s warning urging the people in
question not to continue residing on illegal land, but follow the correct
procedures.
“You are ordered to vacate immediately and follow the due
processes in acquiring land. Government condemns without any reservation the
illegal settlements, occupations, parcelling out and selling of the land
without the permission of relevant authorities.
“The land belongs to the President. No one, but the
delegated powers in various departments has permission to parcel out land.
Report such activities,’’ he said.
Recently, the Government directed all local authorities to
cease the selling of communal and agricultural land with immediate effect.
Ordinary Zimbabweans have welcomed the initiative saying it
was important for people to acquire land legally saying such practices were
violating land reform regulations, which are critical in preserving the
environment.
Mr Stanley Magwaza of Warren Park 1 said land meant for
farming should not be used for other purposes.
“This is a positive step in the right direction. We
appreciate the Government’s effort and we are there to support the move. We are
also assured of food security if the land is utilised in line with its purpose.
“A residential area cannot be similar to agricultural land.
Moreover, this creates a lot of problems because such land is not suitable for
people to settle on,” he said.
Mr John Kandiero of Kambuzuma said people should make sure
they follow proper procedures to acquire land so that they don’t ruin the lives
of future generations.
“Agricultural lands are not for residential purposes. We
are seeing families suffering because of floods, diseases spreading because the
land is not properly serviced to ensure proper drainage with drinking water
likely to be contaminated leading to the spread of diseases,” he said.
Mr Terrence Chakanyuka of Hopley Farm said building houses
on agricultural land compromised food and nutrition security.
‘’Such actions are detrimental to the push to achieve food
and nutrition security. Land should be acquired legally,’’ he said.
It is a criminal offence, in terms of the Zimbabwe Land
Commission Act (Chapter 20;29) and the Gazetted Lands (Consequential
Provisions) Act (Chapter 20;28), to occupy State land without lawful authority
in the form of a permit, an offer letter or
lease.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Lands Commission (ZLC) successfully
completed its land audit exercise, coming up with a Land Information Management
System (LIMS), which will tackle issues such as multiple farm ownerships and
double allocations. President Mnangagwa recently received the final report,
which covered 254 538 farms countrywide. Herald
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