Zvishavane — Authorities in Zvishavane District have launched a joint operation targeting illegal land sales and alleged land barons amid growing concerns over the subdivision and sale of communal land in the district.
The operation, which involves the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, is expected to begin during the week starting June 30.
In a notice addressed to all chiefs in the district, Zvishavane District Development Coordinator Mr Darlington Chokera said Government had become increasingly concerned by the growing incidence of illegal land transactions in communal areas.
“This communication serves to inform you of an ongoing strict law enforcement operation being conducted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police in conjunction with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development,” said Mr Chokera.
He said the operation seeks to curb the illegal distribution, parcelling and sale of communal and agricultural land across the district.
“The operation targets the illegal distribution, parcelling out and sale of communal and agricultural land across the district,” he said.
According to the notice, authorities have received reports that some village heads are allegedly involved in illegal land transactions commonly referred to as “sabhuku deals”.
“Our government has noted with concern a rising trend of illegal land sales within our communal areas. Reports indicate that several village heads are engaged in ‘sabhuku deals’, subdividing communal grazing land, riverbanks and state land to sell to desperate home-seekers,” Mr Chokera said.
The District Development Coordinator advised traditional leaders that police officers would be visiting affected communities as part of the enforcement exercise.
“By copy of this letter, you are being notified that ZRP shall be visiting your areas during the week beginning 30 June 2026,” he said.
The operation comes amid growing concerns over illegal settlements and unauthorised land allocations in parts of rural Zimbabwe, where communal land, grazing areas and environmentally sensitive land have reportedly been subdivided and sold without the necessary legal authority.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that communal land cannot be sold by individuals and that any transactions involving such land outside the legal framework are invalid.
The crackdown is expected to target individuals involved in illegal land allocations while restoring order in affected areas.
Efforts to obtain comment from police authorities and traditional leaders in the district were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
