The Zimbabwean government has reiterated that communal land is not for sale, warning traditional leaders, land barons, villagers and diaspora buyers against participating in illegal rural land transactions commonly known as “Sabhuku deals.” According to government officials, illegal land allocations are rapidly spreading across rural and peri-urban areas, raising concerns over land fraud, unlawful settlements, and exploitation of vulnerable communities. Speaking during a media briefing in Harare on Monday, Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution Tafadzwa Muguti said authorities are intensifying efforts to stop the illegal sale of communal land across all provinces. “Our position is very clear: communal land is not for sale,” Muguti said. “We are noticing that there’s a rampant and escalating invasion of land which is taking place across the country.” Muguti said the Office of the President and Cabinet is working closely with the Ministry of Lands and Rural Development and provincial authorities to curb illegal land allocations and protect communities from exploitation by land barons and corrupt individuals. He warned that traditional leaders, including village heads, have no legal authority under the Communal Land Act to sell communal land for housing or farming purposes. “We would like to appeal to the general public, especially those in the rural communities, that if you see anyone coming across wanting to peg land, even the village head himself, you have the right to report this matter directly to the police,” Muguti said. He urged citizens to report suspicious land activities to police, Provincial Affairs offices, District Development Coordinators, and local government officials. The warning comes amid growing reports that illegal land sales are targeting both local residents and Zimbabweans living abroad seeking residential or agricultural land investments. Under so-called “Sabhuku deals,” land barons and some traditional leaders allegedly allocate communal land illegally in exchange for cash payments, often without government approval, title deeds or proper land-use planning. Legal experts say many buyers later discover that the land was sold unlawfully, leaving them vulnerable to eviction or financial losses. Zimbabwe has experienced numerous land disputes in recent years involving illegal settlements, wetlands, and peri-urban land allocations, particularly around major cities such as Harare, Bulawayo, and Chitungwiza. Land governance analysts have repeatedly warned prospective buyers to verify land ownership and approval processes through official government channels before making payments. Under Zimbabwe’s Communal Land Act, communal land is administered by the State and cannot legally be privately sold by chiefs, village heads or local intermediaries. Authorities say the crackdown forms part of broader efforts to restore order in land administration, prevent fraud and safeguard rural communities from exploitation. Muguti said government departments in all ten provinces had been directed to strengthen monitoring systems and intervene against illegal land occupations and unauthorised settlements. Zimbabwe communal land Zimbabwe politics, communal land, land reform, Sabhuku deals, Tafadzwa Muguti, rural land sales, land barons, Zimbabwe news, Ministry of Lands, illegal settlements

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the arrest of five suspects in connection with the unlawful possession of unregistered medicines and pharmaceutical products in Harare. Police identified the suspects as Vanessa Mudokwenyi (27), Cheneta Zifodya (46), Jack Muchineuta (40), Tonderai Veremu (52), and Collen Magama (52). The arrests were carried out on May 16, 2026, at the Showground parking area in Belvedere following a police operation targeting illegal pharmaceutical trading activities. According to police, the suspects were found in possession of assorted unregistered medicines and medical supplies with an estimated street value of US$2,697. Recovered items allegedly include: Ashotoxy injections Penstrirect cattle injections Oxytetracycline injections Flu tablets Hypodermic needles Ceftriaxone Sodium injections Tetanus vaccines Amoxicillin tablets Calcigard Retard Enalapril Maleate Sodium Chloride Lidocaine injections Other pharmaceutical products Police say investigations are continuing to determine the source of the medicines and whether the products were intended for illegal resale or distribution. Health authorities and law enforcement agencies in Zimbabwe have increasingly warned against the illegal sale and distribution of unregistered medicines, saying the practice poses serious public health risks. Medical expert Johannes Marisa said unregulated medicines can expose patients to dangerous side effects, incorrect dosages, and counterfeit products. “People should only purchase medicines from licensed pharmacies and authorised medical suppliers because unregistered drugs can be harmful or ineffective,” Marisa said. The illegal sale of prescription medicines and veterinary drugs has reportedly increased in informal markets across Zimbabwe amid growing demand for cheaper medication. Authorities say some medicines entering the black market are smuggled into the country or distributed without approval from the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has recently intensified operations targeting illegal pharmaceutical trading, drug smuggling, and the unlawful distribution of controlled medical substances. Police warned members of the public against purchasing medicines from unlicensed dealers or street vendors. Investigators are expected to determine whether additional suspects or suppliers are linked to the case. Unregistered Medicines Zimbabwe Zimbabwe News, Crime News, ZRP, Illegal Medicines, Harare Arrests, Pharmaceutical Crime, Public Health Zimbabwe

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa may soon discover that in politics, the cover-up often causes more damage than the original controversy itself. What initially appeared to be a routine attempt by the South African presidency to distance Ramaphosa from controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo is now threatening to evolve into a wider political credibility problem with regional implications. When Ramaphosa’s office reportedly denied that the president had prior knowledge of Chivayo following their highly publicised encounter at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Precabe Farm in Kwekwe, the strategy seemed straightforward: create political distance from a businessman whose name has become synonymous with luxury lifestyles, controversial state contracts and elite political access. At the time, the denial functioned as political damage control. However, the situation has since become more complicated following explosive allegations involving Chivayo’s former wife, Sonja Madzikanda, claims of a “compromising” device, and reports of alleged video evidence suggesting Ramaphosa and Chivayo may have met long before the official Zimbabwe visit. If evidence eventually emerges showing Ramaphosa previously met Chivayo, the actual political issue may not be the relationship itself. Presidents and senior politicians routinely interact with businesspeople, lobbyists, and influential figures, some reputable and others controversial. The real danger lies in the denial. South African politics, particularly after the damaging Phala Phala scandal controversy, has become deeply sensitive to perceptions of secrecy, incomplete disclosures and shifting presidential explanations. For Ramaphosa, whose political identity has largely been built around restoring integrity and constitutional credibility after the Jacob Zuma era, even relatively minor questions around honesty can quickly become politically toxic. His reputation as a reformist and ethical statesman remains one of his strongest political assets. That makes any credibility dispute significantly more dangerous. The controversy also touches on broader public frustrations across Southern Africa regarding politically connected businessmen and opaque influence networks. Chivayo has become a highly recognisable symbol of political proximity, extravagant wealth and controversial government-linked business dealings. Once Ramaphosa’s name becomes associated with that ecosystem, opposition parties and critics are likely to intensify scrutiny. Political analysts say parties such as the Economic Freedom Fighters and the Democratic Alliance could use the controversy to question transparency within the presidency. Meanwhile, social media has already amplified speculation, conspiracy theories, and competing narratives surrounding the alleged images and videos. The matter also carries diplomatic sensitivities. Ramaphosa has frequently positioned himself as one of Southern Africa’s more stable and institutionally grounded leaders, often contrasting South Africa’s governance structures with Zimbabwe’s turbulent political environment. However, allegations that he may have misrepresented a relationship with a controversial Zimbabwean businessman risk narrowing that moral and political distinction. Analysts say the controversy feeds broader public perceptions that liberation movement elites across Southern Africa increasingly operate within interconnected political and business patronage networks. Of course, the allegations may yet prove exaggerated, manipulated, or entirely false. Southern African politics is no stranger to factional battles, strategic leaks, and political misinformation campaigns. But in modern politics, perception often moves faster than evidence. For Ramaphosa, the challenge is now straightforward: avoid allowing the public to feel that information is emerging in fragments. Political history repeatedly shows that voters can sometimes forgive controversial associations, but they are far less forgiving when leaders appear to deny facts later shown to be true. And in the digital age, one leaked image, old video, WhatsApp message, or contradictory statement can rapidly escalate into a full-scale political crisis. Cyril Ramaphosa #Ramaphosa #WicknellChivayo #SouthAfrica #Zimbabwe #Politics #PhalaPhala #Mnangagwa #AfricanPolitics #BreakingNews #PoliticalScandal

HARARE — The legal and political fallout surrounding controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo escalated on Tuesday after his former mother-in-law, Tabitha Madzikanda, was arrested over allegations linked to the circulation of images involving South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The arrest comes barely a day after Chivayo’s ex-wife, Sonja Madzikanda, was detained at Highlands Police Station in Harare following allegations that she unlawfully distributed “compromising” digital content allegedly showing Ramaphosa and Chivayo together before their publicly acknowledged meeting in Zimbabwe earlier this month. According to lawyer Rungano Mahuni, both women are expected to appear in court on Wednesday. “The charges are not yet clear, but the police have mentioned unauthorised distribution of content and undermining the authority of the president. We hope to get the precise charges soon,” Mahuni said. Police sources say Tabitha Madzikanda also faces separate fraud allegations involving an alleged attempt to access US$1.4 million from a trust account belonging to Chivayo’s children. Investigators claim she allegedly attempted to remove Chivayo as a signatory to the account in order to facilitate the withdrawal of funds intended for property development projects. The case has taken a more politically sensitive turn following allegations by Chivayo that digitally manipulated images were created to falsely suggest he had privately met Ramaphosa before the South African leader’s recent visit to Zimbabwe. An image circulating on social media appeared to show Chivayo and Ramaphosa seated together during what looked like an informal meeting. The image sparked debate because the South African Presidency had earlier stated that Ramaphosa did not previously know Chivayo before their encounter during a visit hosted by Emmerson Mnangagwa in Kwekwe. South African presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya had publicly described Chivayo as a “person of interest” to South African law enforcement and insisted the businessman was unknown to Ramaphosa before the Zimbabwe visit. Chivayo has reportedly told police the circulated image was artificially generated using artificial intelligence tools to damage Ramaphosa politically and interfere with his business interests in South Africa. Police have since seized Tabitha Madzikanda’s mobile phone as part of ongoing digital forensic investigations. Separately, Chivayo is also accusing Sonja Madzikanda of violating a High Court order regulating access to their two minor children. Sources say contempt of court proceedings could follow depending on the outcome of investigations. The latest developments have intensified public scrutiny around Chivayo, whose close links to political elites across southern Africa have repeatedly attracted controversy. The businessman has frequently shared photographs and videos on social media showing meetings with several African leaders, including presidents from Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique. Political analysts say the case could trigger wider debate about digital manipulation, political influence, privacy rights, and the use of social media in high-profile disputes involving powerful public figures. Wicknell Chivayo Zimbabwe News, Wicknell Chivayo, Cyril Ramaphosa, Harare Courts, Political Controversy, South Africa News, AI Manipulation, Crime News, Zimbabwe Politics Suggested Alt Texts: “Zimbabwe businessman Wicknell Chivayo during a public event” “South African President Cyril Ramaphosa official portrait” “Exterior view of Highlands Police Station in Harare” “Harare Magistrates Court building in Zimbabwe”

HARARE – The long-awaited reopening of the National Sports Stadium moved a step closer on Monday after Sakunda Holdings officially handed over newly installed bucket seats and refurbished all-weather turf under a public-private partnership agreement with the Government. The handover ceremony was attended by Anselem Sanyatwe, Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya, Zimbabwe Football Association president Nqobile Magwizi, Premier Soccer League Zimbabwe chairman Isaiah Mupfurutsa and Sakunda Holdings chief operations officer Mberikwazvo Chitambo. The officials toured the stadium to assess progress on ongoing renovations ahead of the expected return of international football matches later this month. The government confirmed that 44,000 bucket seats have now been installed as part of extensive refurbishment works aimed at restoring the stadium to Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards. The National Sports Stadium has been closed to international matches since the end of 2021 after CAF condemned the facility over safety, infrastructure and pitch concerns. Major upgrades carried out under the rehabilitation programme include: Installation of new bucket seats Rehabilitation of the playing surface Upgrading of the all-weather turf Structural and facility maintenance works Improvements to spectator comfort and safety standards Speaking during the inspection tour, Sanyatwe praised the partnership with Sakunda Holdings and commended contractors working on the project. “These renovations reflect the Government’s commitment to modernising sports infrastructure in line with Vision 2030 and creating world-class facilities for athletes and sports fans alike,” the Ministry of Sport said in a statement. The reopening of the National Sports Stadium is expected to significantly boost Zimbabwean football after years of national teams being forced to host international matches outside the country. Zimbabwe’s senior national football team, Zimbabwe national football team, has been playing home fixtures in neighbouring countries due to the stadium’s closure. Football analyst Charles Mabika said the return of international football to Harare would provide both economic and sporting benefits. “The reopening of the National Sports Stadium will revive local football enthusiasm, generate revenue and restore national pride for supporters who have waited years for international matches at home,” Mabika said. Authorities described the National Sports Stadium as one of Zimbabwe’s most important sporting facilities and central to efforts aimed at reviving local sport and attracting major regional competitions. The government has increasingly relied on public-private partnerships to fund infrastructure rehabilitation projects amid growing pressure to modernise sports facilities across the country. Officials say final inspections are expected before the stadium can officially resume hosting CAF-sanctioned matches. National Sports Stadium reopening Zimbabwe Football, National Sports Stadium, ZIFA, CAF, Sakunda Holdings, PSL Zimbabwe, Sports Infrastructure, Harare News

HARARE – A Harare businessman has reportedly lost US$870,000 in an alleged fraudulent land transaction involving a residential property in Hatfield, in what is emerging as another major Zimbabwe property scam. According to reports, Sean Nyawo, 32, of Mount Pleasant, claims he was duped by Shepherd Chizani of Westgate after allegedly being sold land using fake title deeds and forged ownership documents. The disputed property is identified as Lot Number 40, Hatfield Estates, measuring approximately 5.7 acres under Deeds Transfer Number 561/69. Nyawo told investigators that sometime in August 2025, Chizani approached him claiming to represent Rupert Investments, which he allegedly said owned the land. The suspect reportedly produced documents purporting to authorise the sale of the property. Believing the transaction was legitimate, Nyawo allegedly paid an initial deposit of US$50,000 before making two further payments. Court and police records indicate that: US$50,000 was allegedly paid as a deposit US$630,000 was later transferred on August 22, 2025 A final payment of US$190,000 was allegedly made on September 24, 2025 The total amount allegedly lost now stands at US$870,000. The alleged scam only came to light on March 18 this year when Nyawo reportedly visited the property intending to begin physical developments on the land. While at the site, he was allegedly confronted by another individual claiming to represent Rupert Investments. The representative reportedly produced original title deeds showing the land had never been sold and remained under the company’s ownership. Nyawo then realised he may have been the victim of an elaborate land scam and filed a police report. Investigations reportedly established that the documents used during the transaction were fraudulent and that Chizani allegedly had no authority to sell the property. The case adds to growing concerns over land fraud and fake stand sales in Zimbabwe, particularly in and around Harare, where home seekers and investors continue losing large sums of money to fraudulent land dealers. Property law expert Tafadzwa Mugabe said buyers should always conduct independent verification at the Deeds Office before transferring money. “Purchasers must confirm title ownership directly with the Deeds Registry and insist on official sale agreements verified by registered conveyancers,” Mugabe said. Police sources say the matter is now under investigation at Zimbabwe Republic Police Marlborough Police Station under reference number RRB 6780926. National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi could not immediately be reached for comment. The incident comes amid increasing reports of illegal land sales, fake title deeds and double allocations affecting both urban and peri-urban areas across Zimbabwe. fake title deeds Zimbabwe Zimbabwe News, Property Fraud, Harare Land Scams, Real Estate Zimbabwe, Crime News, Hatfield Estates, Zimbabwe Property Market

HARARE – Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s former wife, Sonja Madzikanda, was arrested in Harare on Monday after Chivayo accused her of stealing a device allegedly containing a “compromising” video involving South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Madzikanda was detained at Highlands Police Station following the complaint lodged by Chivayo, a controversial tenderpreneur closely linked to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and several African political figures. The arrest has triggered intense debate in both Zimbabwe and South Africa after allegations surfaced that the disputed footage could contradict previous statements from the South African presidency regarding Ramaphosa’s relationship with Chivayo. According to Madzikanda, the disputed footage allegedly shows Ramaphosa meeting Chivayo privately long before the South African leader’s official visit to Zimbabwe earlier this month. The South African presidency previously insisted Ramaphosa had no prior relationship with Chivayo when the businessman appeared alongside Mnangagwa during the state visit to Kwekwe. South African presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya had described Chivayo as merely a “person of interest” to South African authorities and denied claims that Ramaphosa knew him personally. However, social media activist Rutendo Matinyarare later shared an image allegedly extracted from the disputed video, appearing to show Ramaphosa and Chivayo seated together in an informal private setting. Political analyst Alexander Rusero said the controversy could damage public trust if conflicting narratives continue to emerge. “When public officials deny relationships or meetings that later appear documented, it inevitably creates credibility concerns and fuels political speculation,” Rusero told local media. Speaking outside the police station before her detention, Madzikanda denied stealing any electronic device and accused Chivayo of weaponising his political connections. “This is a man surrounded by heavy security, yet somehow I am accused of stealing a device containing videos of presidents,” she said in a video circulating online. “I am being arrested because he sends around videos and photographs with heads of state to intimidate people.” Madzikanda also claimed the arrest escalated after she opened a fraud case against Chivayo earlier this year in Pretoria. Her South African lawyer, Nolufefe Felicia Samalenge, has since accused investigators of leaking confidential statements to Chivayo. In correspondence reportedly sent to prosecutors in South Africa, Samalenge warned that the alleged leak placed her client and relatives “in mortal danger.” Chivayo has become one of Zimbabwe’s most controversial businessmen due to his proximity to senior political leaders and lucrative government-linked contracts. His social media accounts frequently feature photographs with regional presidents and senior officials from countries including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique. The latest controversy has also revived discussion around Ramaphosa’s earlier Phala Phala scandal controversy, with critics questioning transparency around political and business relationships. Neither Chivayo nor the South African presidency had issued fresh official comments by Tuesday evening. Wicknell Chivayo

HARARE — Fresh political controversy has erupted after the Daily News released part of an audio recording allegedly featuring former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa discussing opposition efforts against Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), intensifying debate over credibility, transparency and leadership within Zimbabwe’s opposition politics. The publication had previously reported that Chamisa described the proposed opposition coalition against CAB3 as an artificial and elite-driven project lacking legitimacy. Following public backlash and accusations that the story was fabricated, the newspaper released a partial audio clip, which it says forms part of a longer recorded interview. According to reactions emerging after the clip surfaced, Chamisa can allegedly be heard criticising Jameson Timba and other political actors involved in organising resistance against CAB3. The release of the audio has triggered sharp debate on social media and within opposition circles, particularly after Chamisa had publicly suggested that the original Daily News story was fictional. Critics now argue that the emerging recording raises broader questions about political accountability and consistency in public communication. “It turns out that the Daily News actually published only the milder comments,” one political commentator wrote online after the clip circulated. “The serious question people are asking is why Nelson Chamisa is attacking people who are fighting the Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3.” Others, however, defended Chamisa and criticised the newspaper’s handling of the matter, arguing that media organisations should release full evidence immediately instead of gradually publishing clips that prolong public controversy. “It is unacceptable for anyone, let alone a publication, to manufacture a story in order to besmirch a person’s name,” another commentator argued. “If you have the evidence, just release it.” The controversy has exposed growing tensions inside Zimbabwe’s fragmented opposition landscape following the collapse of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). CAB3 has become one of the country’s most politically divisive constitutional debates, with critics arguing that proposed amendments could weaken democratic safeguards and extend executive influence over key institutions. Among the reported proposals are extending presidential and parliamentary terms, restructuring electoral systems, and altering constitutional provisions affecting institutional independence. Legal bodies, including the Law Society of Zimbabwe, church groups, and civic organisations, have already expressed concerns over aspects of the proposed amendments. Chamisa’s critics say opposition forces should prioritise unity against CAB3 rather than internal political disputes. Some activists also revived criticism over Chamisa’s delayed public response during the imprisonment of Timba and other opposition figures, arguing that leadership requires consistency during critical constitutional moments. Supporters of Chamisa, however, maintain that he remains entitled to express political opinions about opposition strategies and coalition-building efforts without being accused of supporting constitutional changes. Political analysts say the controversy highlights deeper structural problems within Zimbabwe’s opposition politics, including personality-driven leadership battles, weak institutional cohesion and the absence of a unified national strategy. Despite the intensifying dispute, opposition activists across different political formations continue calling for coordinated resistance against CAB3, insisting that constitutional protections and democratic safeguards remain the central issue. Nelson Chamisa CAB3 Nelson Chamisa, CAB3, Zimbabwe Politics, CCC, Jameson Timba, Constitutional Amendment Bill, Daily News, Opposition Politics, Zimbabwe Parliament, Democracy

KWEKWE — Kwekwe is facing growing public health concerns after sexually transmitted infection (STI) cases surged by 39.6% within a month, prompting city authorities to intensify awareness campaigns, condom distribution programmes and community health outreach initiatives. Figures presented during a recent full council meeting at the Civic Centre revealed that reported STI cases increased sharply from 328 cases in March to 458 in April, raising alarm among councillors and public health officials. The rise in infections has triggered debate within the council over how best to contain the spread of STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis, amid concerns over declining condom usage, stigma and limited sexual health awareness. Some councillors reportedly suggested identifying STI “hotspots”, arguing that beer outlets and certain households were contributing to risky sexual behaviour. However, city health officials rejected the proposal, warning that targeting specific communities could worsen stigma and discourage people from seeking treatment. Director of Health Services Munyaradzi Murwira said surveillance data showed the infections were widespread across the city rather than concentrated in isolated locations. “We've no proof that this is coming from certain spots or a group of people, but it's the whole community. We can't have solutions based on misconceptions which will stigmatise people,” Murwira told councillors. “As a department we are carrying out outreach awareness programmes on STIs, HIV/AIDS, and drug and substance abuse in the community while targeting students at colleges as well.” Public health experts say sexually transmitted infections remain a major indicator of unprotected sexual activity and can significantly increase the risk of HIV transmission if left untreated. According to the World Health Organization, stigma and poor access to prevention services remain among the biggest barriers to STI control across many developing countries. Kwekwe Mayor Albert Zinhanga described the increase in STI infections as deeply worrying and called for urgent intervention through education and prevention programmes. “I'm worried about the surge of STIs in Kwekwe. That figure of 458 presented today has risen from last month's figure of 328 plus. It shows that it's shooting upwards,” Zinhanga said. “As city fathers, we are worried and concerned about the surging numbers. Like what the Director of Health said, there are going to be increased awareness campaigns in the communities, such that citizens will understand the dangers of STIs. It might be an issue of ignorance or lack of awareness.” The council says it will increase free condom distribution at clinics, bars, colleges and entertainment venues in an effort to improve access to preventive healthcare tools. “When we were growing up, we could see free condoms inside beer hall ablution facilities. Nowadays, condoms are not easily available in those spaces, and people end up indulging in unprotected sex, maybe out of ignorance or because they cannot afford to buy condoms,” Zinhanga added. “It's our duty as council to provide condoms.” Health experts say sustained public awareness campaigns, youth-focused sexual health education, and reliable condom supplies will be critical in reversing the upward trend in STI infections across the city. Kwekwe STI cases Kwekwe, Zimbabwe Health, STI, HIV/AIDS, Public Health, Condoms, Midlands Province, Sexual Health, Awareness Campaigns, Healthcare

HARARE — The Zimbabwean government is preparing to launch a nationwide land audit targeting underutilised farms, multiple farm ownership and illegal land allocations as authorities intensify efforts to restore order, improve agricultural productivity and strengthen land governance reforms. Vangelis Haritatos, the Minister of Lands and Rural Development, said the audit will rely on modern technologies, including drones, remote sensing systems, satellite imagery, and digital mapping tools, to verify land ownership, productive use, and legality of allocations across the country. “Underutilisation, multiple ownership and irregular allocations will be addressed because land is a finite national resource that must be productively used,” Haritatos said. “A structured land audit will be conducted using tools such as remote sensing and drone verification to establish factual evidence on land use, legality and allocation status.” The planned Zimbabwe land audit comes as the government pushes to improve accountability within the agricultural sector while addressing long-standing concerns over idle farmland, disputed ownership and illegal land sales commonly referred to as “sabhuku deals”. Officials say satellite imagery and aerial drone surveys will help authorities identify idle farms, illegal settlements and underutilised agricultural land while also improving accuracy in boundary verification and dispute resolution. Agricultural economist Persistence Gwanyanya previously noted that improving land utilisation and security of tenure remains critical to boosting agricultural output, attracting financing and restoring investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s farming sector. Haritatos said authorities would distinguish between deliberate underutilisation and genuine operational difficulties faced by farmers. “The process will be fair and will not target farmers affected by genuine challenges such as drought or lack of finance,” he said. “However, where land is found to be unjustifiably idle, intervention may include repossession or downsizing.” Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector remains heavily dependent on land reform outcomes implemented over the past two decades, with the government increasingly focusing on productivity, financing and formalisation of land ownership structures. The minister also confirmed that the government is accelerating the issuance of title deeds to farmers as part of broader land tenure reforms aimed at improving security, unlocking agricultural financing and encouraging long-term investment. “Title deeds are intended to boost farmer confidence, stimulate investment and unlock value through resource mobilisation, partnerships and a range of financing opportunities,” Haritatos said. He added that farms with clean, surveyed, and dispute-free records would receive priority while authorities strengthen digital land databases and verification systems. “Systems will also be strengthened to ensure title deeds are supported by credible surveys, clear boundaries, accurate records and secure digital data, because a deed is only as useful as the integrity of the land information behind it,” he said. Haritatos also warned against illegal land sales and unauthorised allocations by land barons, village heads or corrupt officials. “Land allocation must remain legal, orderly and accountable,” he said. “No village head, land baron or official has the authority to sell State land.” The government said it is working with the Zimbabwe Land Commission, rural district councils, traditional leaders and law enforcement agencies to clamp down on illegal land parcelling and fraudulent land transactions. The minister further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to compensating former white commercial farmers under the 2020 Global Compensation Deed valued at approximately US$3.5 billion. “This process does not reverse land reform, which remains irreversible,” Haritatos said. “It is aimed at settling historical obligations, strengthening international reengagement and reducing uncertainty in the agricultural sector.” Zimbabwe land audit Zimbabwe, Land Reform, Agriculture, Farms, Drones, Vangelis Haritatos, Land Audit, Title Deeds, Zimbabwe Economy, Rural Development

The Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) has warned members of the public against purchasing residential stands allegedly being marketed at Hatfield Golf Course in Harare, saying the property remains protected military land and is not available for sale or residential development. The warning follows growing controversy surrounding a government proposal to convert part of the Hatfield Golf Course into low-density residential stands, a move that has triggered objections from residents and civic organisations concerned about the loss of Harare’s recreational spaces and urban green areas. In a statement, the AFZ said it had taken note of a public notice issued under Section 49(4) of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act proposing a change of reservation for the remaining extent of Lot 227, Hatfield Township, from golf course land to residential use. However, the military insisted the land remains under its lawful ownership and falls within a gazetted cantonment area protected under Zimbabwe’s Defence Act. “The Air Force of Zimbabwe wants to warn the general public that it has always been the lawful owner of the said property and has no plans to sell or change the reservation from Golf Course to residential stands,” the AFZ said. According to the military, Statutory Instrument 28 of 2026 officially designates Hatfield Golf Course as a military camp owned by the AFZ on behalf of the State. The air force added that ownership of the property is protected under Sections 89 to 94 of the Defence Act. “Anyone who sells or purchases the above property will be prosecuted for violating Sections 89-94 of the Defence Act,” the statement warned. The AFZ also said official maps and statutory documents confirming the cantonment boundaries are available for inspection at Defence House in Harare. The proposed Harare residential development would reportedly create 17 low-density stands measuring approximately 2,000 square metres each. The plan has intensified debate over land use changes in Harare, where residents’ associations and civic groups have repeatedly criticised authorities over the conversion of wetlands, open spaces, school grounds, and recreational facilities into housing developments. Combined Harare Residents Association director Reuben Akili lodged formal objections against the proposal, warning against the continued disappearance of golf courses and green spaces in the capital. Meanwhile, Harare Residents Trust director Precious Shumba said the development could place additional strain on Harare’s already overstretched infrastructure and service delivery systems. Shumba argued that the golf course serves as both a recreational facility and an important environmental greenway within the city. Harare has experienced several controversial land disputes and illegal housing developments in recent years, particularly involving wetlands and public open spaces. Some homebuyers have previously lost money after purchasing residential stands later found to be illegally allocated or situated on protected land. Urban planning experts warn that uncontrolled conversion of green spaces could worsen flooding, congestion, environmental degradation, and service delivery challenges in the capital. The latest dispute over Hatfield Golf Course is expected to fuel further debate over urban planning, land management, and environmental protection in Zimbabwe. Hatfield Golf Course stands Zimbabwe News, Harare, Air Force of Zimbabwe, Property News, Land Disputes, Hatfield Golf Course, Urban Development, Housing, Environment, Civic Groups

HARARE — The Zimbabwean government is facing growing criticism after telling Parliament it has not received official reports of widespread xenophobic violence against Zimbabweans living in South Africa, despite mounting anxiety among migrant communities following recent anti-immigrant demonstrations. The issue was raised in Parliament after Warren Park legislator Shakespeare Hamauswa asked the government to explain what diplomatic and practical measures were being taken to protect Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa. Responding on behalf of the government, Ziyambi Ziyambi, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, said authorities were monitoring developments through diplomatic channels and embassies. “We are working with the embassies through the diplomatic channels that we have for our Zimbabweans facing difficulties or humiliation or any other illegal activities that are not good,” Ziyambi told Parliament. “As for now, we have not heard through the embassies that there is a lot of beating and killing that is happening in South Africa, but what we heard is that there are people who went on the streets to demonstrate and the government of South Africa did not support it.” The remarks come amid renewed concerns over xenophobic tensions in major South African cities, including Johannesburg and Pretoria, where anti-immigrant protests and campaigns have resurfaced in recent months. South Africa hosts one of the largest Zimbabwean diaspora populations globally, with millions of Zimbabweans living and working there in sectors ranging from construction and mining to healthcare, hospitality and informal trade. While the Zimbabwean government sought to downplay fears of a full-scale crisis, migrant advocacy groups and regional analysts warn that inflammatory anti-foreigner rhetoric can quickly escalate into violence if not addressed decisively. Political analyst Eldred Masunungure said xenophobic tensions in South Africa remain a sensitive regional issue with both humanitarian and diplomatic implications. “Even isolated anti-immigrant incidents create fear within migrant communities because Zimbabweans in South Africa are already economically vulnerable,” Masunungure said in previous regional migration discussions. Ziyambi stressed that maintaining public order inside South Africa falls under the responsibility of South African authorities, particularly the South African Police Service (SAPS). “As the government, we work together with the government of South Africa and we are doing everything according to law,” he said. “If there are people who have done something that is outside the law in South Africa, it is the duty of the police officers in South Africa to apprehend them and make sure that each and every individual is following the law.” He added that Zimbabwe respects South Africa’s sovereignty and expects local authorities there to manage protests and criminal conduct arising from anti-immigrant activities. “If you are a neighbour, you remain a neighbour. You cannot go to their home and teach them what to do. You remain a good neighbour,” Ziyambi said. Recent anti-immigrant campaigns in South Africa have sparked concern among Zimbabwean migrants, many of whom rely on cross-border employment opportunities and regularly send remittances home to support families amid Zimbabwe’s economic challenges. Human rights groups have repeatedly warned that xenophobic tensions in South Africa often intensify during periods of economic hardship, unemployment pressures, and political contestation. Zimbabwe xenophobia South Africa Zimbabwe, South Africa, Xenophobia, Parliament, Migrants, Ziyambi Ziyambi, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Diplomacy, African Politics