The Government has signalled a tougher stance against illegal land occupations, warning that it will no longer intervene to shield settlers from lawful evictions and demolitions simply because they are locals.
"Don't come to Government and say you are locals," said Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution Eng. Tafadzwa Muguti, speaking during the Zimbabwe-China Investment Symposium on Thursday shutting the door on political intervention.
He added that there would be no compensation for structures erected on land acquired through illegal occupations and it was up to the title holder to demolish or repurpose.
Government has occasionally stepped in to halt demolitions and evictions in cases where title holders have all the legal paperwork to take possession of their property against illegal settlers.
Muguti said disputes over illegally occupied land must be resolved through the courts, with eviction orders enforced by the Sheriff in accordance with the law.
The remarks come as Zimbabwe seeks to strengthen confidence among both domestic and foreign investors by reinforcing property rights while addressing the growing problem of illegal settlements and land invasions.
The problem with land barons and illegal settlements has been highlighted by several recent disputes
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Zim Now recently reported on the invasion of land belonging to a Chinese investor in Stoneridge, where a shoe factory was looted and closed after illegal occupiers settled on the property, illustrating the economic and legal consequences of unresolved land disputes.
Engineer Muguti said the stance not to interfere with judicial processes also affects Chinese nationals some of whom have appealed for political protection after losing out on poorly executed land purchases.
He advised everyone not to purchase land directly from individuals but to engage registered conveyancers and verify ownership and all existing rights before concluding transactions.
Addressing the same symposium, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Vangelis Haritatos said the underutilisation of land was creating opportunities for illegal occupations and informal land sales, noting that this had fuelled the growth of illegal transactions commonly referred to as "sabhuku deals".
Haritatos said Government was working with traditional leaders and other stakeholders to close loopholes that have enabled such illegal land allocations.
The land discussions formed part of broader conversations at the inaugural Zimbabwe-China Investment Symposium on improving Zimbabwe's investment climate, with participants identifying secure property rights, legal certainty and transparent governance as essential ingredients for attracting long-term investment.
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