The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has launched an investigation into the illegal allocation of land in Matabeleland North Province, allegedly involving individuals linked to the ZANU PF party and traditional leaders.
This probe follows the February 2024 arrest of 155 land barons and illegal settlers in the districts of Umguza, Bubi, Lupane, and Hwange.
The investigation is being conducted amid growing concerns for villagers in resettlement areas who are facing possible eviction. Former Ntabazinduna Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni has repeatedly threatened legal action against those responsible for the unlawful land allocations.
Originally scheduled to begin last week, the investigation was delayed and is now expected to start this week, according to ZACC communications manager Simiso Mlevu. Speaking to the Southern Eye last Tuesday, Mlevu confirmed the delay and said, “The programme has been postponed to next week, and we will share the exact dates.”
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The campaign aims to tackle illegal land dealings in Hwange, Lupane, Bubi, and Umguza. ZACC official Mqele Sibanda notified district coordinators about the operation, urging them to involve leadership and representatives from various government departments, local authorities, NGOs, councillors, and traditional leaders to educate the public on corruption and discourage settling in unauthorized areas.
Earlier this year, numerous arrests were made across the country for illegal land settlements on gazetted land without proper authorization. The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has been actively defending villagers’ rights in these cases.
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