The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested five people in Mutare for illegally allocating housing stands
to unsuspecting home seekers, as part of a nationwide operation against land barons.
The suspects are Binali Yard (48), Webster Mudzimwa (39), Tawanda Ndawe (42), Trust Matima (39) and Brian Marange (59). They are accused of selling stands on agricultural land without the approval of the relevant authorities.
The operation follows a recent press release by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr A.J. Masuka, who warned that illegal settlements on agricultural land pose a threat to food security, environmental protection and social order.
The ZRP is working in conjunction with Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ministers, Provincial Development Coordinators and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, which is responsible for urban and local authorities, to identify and arrest land barons across the country.
The ZRP has urged members of the public to come forward and report any illegal acts by land barons, and to verify the legality of any land transactions before making payments. Anyone with information can contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197, or report at any nearest police station.