Minister Ndudzo castigates illegal settlements in Seke

Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Itayi Ndudzo has urged residents of Seke district to halt the proliferation of illegal settlements, warning that the law will be strictly enforced against those who parcel or sell land unlawfully.

Speaking during a visit to the Dema area, where reports of rampant illegal settling have been received, Advocate Ndudzo described the behaviour of some settlers as treating the district "like a game park," and called on traditional leaders and villagers to take active steps to protect their heritage.

"There are some who are now treating this area as a game park. They behave like animals, just settling everywhere, unlawfully," he said. "This is not supposed to happen at all; this area is not a game park. Let me tell you something, the law is supposed to be respected. People must not just settle unlawfully and expect the Government not to take action; the law will be applied regardless of who you are."

The minister reminded residents that there are established procedures for acquiring land and appealed to the community not to be complicit in illegal allocations. "Preserve your precious land. Do not allow people to settle here illegally. What will happen to the next generation if you sell all your land to other people illegally?" he asked.

Advocate Ndudzo singled out village heads, urging them to refuse any unlawful settlement within their jurisdictions. "Do not be found on the wrong side of the law. You must say not in my village," he told the gathering. "You must abide by the law. I want us to agree today that this issue of illegal settlements has ended. Village heads, say no to illegal settlements in your areas of jurisdiction."

Chief Seke welcomed government intervention and praised the minister's engagement with the community. The chief said he had raised concerns after observing extensive parcelling of land and was relieved that authorities heeded his complaint.

"As the Chief, I was emotionally moved when one person admitted that they broke the law but appealed to authorities to allow them to settle lawfully. That honesty is rare, and as your Chief, I want everyone to accept their mistake so that it can be corrected and also avoided in the future," Chief Seke said.

He warned traditional leaders against facilitating unlawful parcelling. "To all the village heads, I implore you to be lawful, you are my ears and eyes. But when you break the law, I will not hesitate to use the same law against you. Seke is burning while you are watching. This should never happen," he said, urging an end to illegal sales of communal land.

Both the minister and the chief cautioned that anyone found on the "wrong side" of the law would face arrest and prosecution. "The law will be applied without fear or favour, whether you like it or not, the law will be applied," Chief Seke said.

The ministerial visit follows complaints from local leaders and residents who say illegal subdivision and sale of communal land have accelerated in recent months, putting pressure on customary land administration and threatening long-term community interests. Community leaders were implored to work with government authorities to regularise land where appropriate and to prevent further unlawful encroachments.

Advocate Ndudzo's address was intended to reinforce the message that land must be allocated and transferred according to legal processes, and that safeguarding communal land is a responsibility for both traditional leaders and ordinary citizens.