Johnson Progress

The Zimbabwean government has issued a stern warning to individuals occupying state land illegally, particularly in rural areas, to vacate the land immediately or face prosecution.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr. Anxious Masuka emphasized that occupying rural state land without authority is a crime, punishable under the Gazetted Lands Act.

“We remind the public that it is a crime to occupy rural state land without authority. No person may hold, use or occupy gazetted land without lawful authority,” Dr. Masuka said.

He added on saying that “Only the Minister of Lands has the legal mandate to grant such authority, and anyone found in illegal occupation will face legal consequences.”

The Ministry has urged the public to report suspected illegal settlers to the nearest Lands office, police station, or via SMS to 0772 169 957.

Dr. Masuka also called on holders of offer letters or permits under the A2 resettlement model to visit their nearest Lands offices for expedited processing of title deeds.

“Land is an economic asset for the transformation of our agriculture and attainment of Vision 2030. Its orderly allocation, settlement and use are cardinal administrative aspects of the land reform revolution,” Dr. Masuka added.

The government’s crackdown comes amid concerns over chaotic and unlawful allocation of state land by traditional leaders in communal areas, fueling land disputes and unregulated settlement patterns.

The Ministry has pledged to intensify monitoring and enforcement efforts to restore order and protect Zimbabwe’s land management framework .