Mnangagwa orders release of land probe report on illegal urban settlements

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed that the findings of a long-awaited Commission of Inquiry into the sale of State land in urban areas be made public, in a move likely to intensify scrutiny on land barons and urban land governance in Zimbabwe.

The directive, issued through General Notice 608 of 2026 and published in the Government Gazette by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya, invokes Section 62 of the Constitution, which guarantees public access to information.

“It is hereby notified that His Excellency, the President, in terms of Section 62 of the Constitution, has directed the publication of the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the matter of sale of State land in and around urban areas since 2005,” reads part of the notice.

The Commission, established in 2018, was chaired by Tendai Uchena and investigated widespread illegal land sales that have contributed to the rapid growth of unplanned settlements across Zimbabwe’s major cities. Urban planning expert Percy Toriro said the release of the report could mark a turning point in addressing land corruption.

“For years, illegal allocations have undermined proper urban development. Making the findings public is a critical step toward accountability,” he said.

The inquiry was prompted by the proliferation of informal settlements in cities such as Harare and Bulawayo, where land barons allegedly sold State land to home seekers without proper authority. A resident from Harare’s sprawling settlement of Hopley, who declined to be named, said many families bought land in good faith.

“We paid money believing everything was legal. Now we fear eviction because of things we did not understand,” the resident said.

The Commission of Inquiry, established under Statutory Instrument 11 of 2018 (amending Statutory Instrument 102 of 2017), was tasked with investigating State land allocated for urban development since 2005. Its mandate included identifying all State land transferred to the Ministry of Local Government for housing and urban expansion, and examining its current status in terms of ownership, occupation, and development.

The Commission also scrutinised how individuals and companies acquired the land, and whether due process was followed. Legal analyst Alex Magaisa previously noted that commissions of inquiry play a crucial role in strengthening governance.

“Transparency in such reports is essential if the public is to trust the outcomes and any corrective action taken,” he said.

During its work, the Commission conducted nationwide site visits, summoned witnesses, and recorded testimonies from government officials, local authorities, land developers, and residents. It also analysed documentation related to land allocation and development patterns, aiming to identify those responsible for illegal land sales and recommend corrective measures.

According to government officials familiar with the process, the report is expected to contain detailed findings on land barons, policy loopholes, and institutional weaknesses that enabled the незакон allocation of State land.

The publication of the report is expected to have far-reaching implications for Zimbabwe’s urban planning and housing sector, including possible policy reforms, prosecutions, and regularisation of some settlements. Economist Victor Bhoroma said the findings could also influence investor confidence.

“Clear land governance systems are essential for investment in housing and infrastructure. Addressing irregularities will help stabilise the property market,” he said.

As Zimbabwe grapples with rapid urbanisation and housing shortages, authorities face the challenge of balancing enforcement with protecting vulnerable residents who may have unknowingly purchased illegally allocated land.

Zimbabwe land barons