The Government has ordered an immediate stop to all development activities at the protected Monavale Wetland following a wave of protests by residents opposing land clearing in the ecologically sensitive area. The directive came after officials visited the site on Tuesday in response to public outcry over grading works reportedly linked to the allocation of residential stands for Members of Parliament.

Tensions have escalated at Gilston Farm after large sections of the property were destroyed by fire in what war veterans and collaborators occupying the land suspect was a deliberate arson attack linked to ongoing land disputes. The blaze caused panic among residents in Manyame District, with livestock fleeing burning grazing areas as flames swept through bushes and pastures.