Makoni identifies illegal 'sabhuku deals' hotspots

Makoni District has identified several communal and resettlement areas affected by illegal land allocations as Government intensifies efforts to curb so-called sabhuku deals.

MAKONI – Makoni District has identified several communal and resettlement areas where illegal land allocations, commonly known as "sabhuku deals," are rampant, as Government intensifies efforts to curb unlawful settlements across Zimbabwe.

The revelations were made during a full council meeting on Tuesday, where Assistant District Development Coordinator (DDC) Lloyd Chirombe, representing Makoni DDC Edwin Mashindi, said the district was continuously compiling and updating information on illegal land allocations for submission to the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution.

"We keep receiving issues of sabhuku deals and we have a template which we keep updating which is going to the Office of the Minister of State," Chirombe told councillors.

Chirombe said the highest number of reported illegal land allocations in communal areas had been recorded in:

• Ward 16: Munyengwa, Gutyure, Tikwi, Ziumbe and Mwarimba.

• Ward 5: Tenda, Mugadza and Chapwenya.

• Ward 19: St Luke's area.

• Ward 27: Mbodza and Rukweza.

Authorities have also identified several resettlement areas where illegal allocations are allegedly taking place. The affected areas include:

• Ward 20: Gwindingwi.

• Ward 9: Villages 39, 13, 9, 38, 21, 23, 25 and 19.

• Ward 30: Villages 34 and 35.

• Ward 35.

• Ward 11: Jerusalema.

• Ward 18: Chirimutsitu.

• Ward 17: Everton and Zunidza.

The district's findings form part of a nationwide Government exercise to establish a comprehensive database of areas affected by sabhuku deals, which involve the illegal sale or allocation of communal and State land without legal authority.

The compilation follows a recent directive requiring Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretaries to document illegal land allocation hotspots in their respective provinces as part of efforts to restore order in land administration. Speaking at a provincial stakeholders' meeting on illegal land allocations in Mutare, Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Misheck Mugadza warned that authorities would take firm action against those involved in unlawful land transactions.

"The President has made his position clear, illegal land allocations will not be tolerated under the Second Republic," Mugadza said.

Government has repeatedly warned members of the public against purchasing land through unauthorised individuals, including traditional leaders and land barons who do not have the legal mandate to allocate State or communal land. Officials say illegal settlements often result in disputes over land ownership, poor spatial planning, inadequate infrastructure and difficulties in providing essential public services. The latest audit is expected to assist authorities in identifying affected communities, strengthening enforcement of land administration laws and preventing further illegal occupation of communal and resettlement land.

Makoni sabhuku deals