Zacc cracks down on rampant land grabs

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) has raised alarm over the persistent and unlawful takeover of State and communal land by powerful land barons, despite repeated government warnings against the practice.

Zacc this week launched a five-day awareness campaign aimed at curbing the illegal parcelling and sale of land, especially by politically connected individuals. The campaign, themed "Campaign Against Illegal Parcelling of State and Communal Land," kicked off in Seke district at Chief Seke's homestead, bringing together traditional leaders, community members, and local officials.

Zacc's manager for education and public awareness, Munyaradzi Magiga, said the commission was taking the fight to the grassroots level, arming communities with knowledge to resist land scams and report corruption.

"This campaign is not just about catching the corrupt; it is about empowering the public with the knowledge to protect themselves," said Magiga.

"No one has the right to sell or allocate State or communal land outside the legal framework. Illegal land grabs threaten peace, development, and fairness in our communities."

The campaign comes amid growing concern over illegal settlements mushrooming in urban areas, especially around Harare, where land barons have grabbed wetlands and open spaces, reselling them to desperate home-seekers.

A 2019 commission of inquiry into the urban land sector revealed that State land worth US$3 billion had been fraudulently acquired by politically connected individuals, primarily linked to the ruling Zanu-PF party but also involving opposition figures.

Zacc officials said the fraudulent land deals have led to conflict, marginalisation of the poor, and the erosion of public trust in both traditional and government institutions.

In Seke, village head Nehemiah Bwoni confirmed that vast tracts of land had been grabbed by rogue actors.

"Unscrupulous individuals come claiming authority, selling land without any legal backing," Bwoni said. "This programme is long overdue and very necessary."

The campaign also seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of engaging in informal land transactions, which have left many home-seekers devastated after local councils demolished illegal structures built on protected or council-owned land.

Zacc is urging residents to report land scams and consult legal channels when seeking residential stands.

The campaign will continue throughout Mashonaland East province, as the anti-graft body intensifies its push to curb land corruption and restore sanity in land management.