Story by Batsirai Shoko
GOVERNMENT has warned individuals involved in illegal land sales in Matabeleland North that stern action will be taken against offenders.
Addressing journalists at Mhlahlandlela Government Complex on Tuesday, Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Richard Moyo, said unlawful land transactions are causing disorder in communities, damaging the environment and undermining proper land administration.
Honourable Moyo said reports from District Development Coordinators, traditional leaders and District Lands Committees indicate that illegal land sales are occurring in several parts of the province.
He noted that some individuals are unlawfully selling communal and resettlement land, as well as wetlands, riverbanks and land reserved for public amenities such as schools, clinics and roads.
“The law does not permit the sale of communal or resettlement land by individuals or traditional leaders. Government will move decisively to stop these illegal activities, verify land allocations, relocate families settled in unsafe areas where necessary, and ensure those responsible are investigated and prosecuted,” he said.
Government says the crackdown is aimed at restoring order in land administration, protecting the environment and safeguarding land reserved for public development.
