News / National
Zimbabwe govt launches attack against 'sabhuku' deals
1 hr ago |
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Zimbabwe's Local Government and Public Works Minister, Daniel Garwe, has issued a stern warning to citizens against illegal land occupations and sales, commonly referred to as "Sabhuku deals." The practice, prevalent in peri-urban and rural areas, involves settlers buying land from self-styled "land barons" and headmen without proper legal documentation.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Garwe emphasised that the government would not tolerate unauthorised land transactions. He cautioned that individuals who purchase land from illegal sellers and fail to report such cases to the authorities would not receive government assistance or title deeds.
"We have been clear for a long time: do not buy land from those who do not own it. It is illegal, and title deeds will not be issued for such land," Garwe said. He added that the government's regularisation policy does not permit people to occupy land unlawfully and expect retrospective approval. "It doesn't mean that if we agree that people should have land, you can go grab a piece and the government will regularise it. No! We don't do that," he stressed.
Garwe explained that the government would only facilitate regularisation in specific areas under a ‘beneficiary pays' principle, and that those who fall victim to fraudulent land sales must report to the police themselves. "Those who buy land from land barons and get duped often do not want to report to the police. They expect the government to step in, but the government cannot be the complainant," he said.
He urged citizens to refrain from participating in illegal land deals, warning that unauthorised settlements would not be regularised. "The time is over when people could simply settle on land without paying for it or for services," Garwe said, reiterating that proper legal channels must be followed to avoid disputes and fraud.
The minister's remarks come amid increasing reports of chaotic land occupations and highlight the government's resolve to enforce law and order in land administration.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Garwe emphasised that the government would not tolerate unauthorised land transactions. He cautioned that individuals who purchase land from illegal sellers and fail to report such cases to the authorities would not receive government assistance or title deeds.
"We have been clear for a long time: do not buy land from those who do not own it. It is illegal, and title deeds will not be issued for such land," Garwe said. He added that the government's regularisation policy does not permit people to occupy land unlawfully and expect retrospective approval. "It doesn't mean that if we agree that people should have land, you can go grab a piece and the government will regularise it. No! We don't do that," he stressed.
Garwe explained that the government would only facilitate regularisation in specific areas under a ‘beneficiary pays' principle, and that those who fall victim to fraudulent land sales must report to the police themselves. "Those who buy land from land barons and get duped often do not want to report to the police. They expect the government to step in, but the government cannot be the complainant," he said.
He urged citizens to refrain from participating in illegal land deals, warning that unauthorised settlements would not be regularised. "The time is over when people could simply settle on land without paying for it or for services," Garwe said, reiterating that proper legal channels must be followed to avoid disputes and fraud.
The minister's remarks come amid increasing reports of chaotic land occupations and highlight the government's resolve to enforce law and order in land administration.
Source - Newsday
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