Honeymoon over for land barons

The honeymoon appears to be over for land barons here after the Commission of Inquiry into the sale of State land descended on Masvingo this week for public hearings that are expected to unravel illegal land deals.

In a statement that appeared in the press recently, the Commission advised beneficiaries of State land handed over for urban development since 2005 that it would conduct public hearings in Masvingo Province starting this week.

The Commission said it will be in the province until October 27 during which it would conduct public hearings with regards to land sales at Remainder of Clipsham Farm, Lot 2 of Clipsham Farm, Victoria Ranch and Glenlivet Farm.

These farms are located in the Masvingo City peri-urban area.

In Chiredzi, the Commission will deal with land sales at Buffalo Range and Remainder of Buffalo Range Farms.

“This is done with a view to ascertain people who bought State land handed over for urban development,” said the Commission. “Double or multiple allocations, people who have been allocated land on spaces meant for the building of clinics, schools, roads and recreation sites.”

The commission is also expected to ascertain the number of people who were displaced or prejudiced in any way by the allocation, resurveying or re-pegging of residential stands in these areas.

“Those people who have been threatened, harassed, victimised or forced to pay subscriptions or rentals or to vacate stands against their own will and without due process,” said the Commission.

“Any information pertaining to illegal State land transaction, known to them will also be needed.”

Minister of State for Masvingo Cde Ezra Chadzamira said, in an interview, all was set for the Commission to start its work after paying a courtesy call at his offices.

“The Commission of Inquiry on sale of State land handed over for urban development is already in town,” he said. “The team of officers will conduct their hearings from those who have been affected by illegal allocation of land.

“The honey moon is over for all land barons and those who were parcelling state land in Masvingo province.”