THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) has condemned the rampant theft of State and communal land by suspected land barons despite government talking tough against the vice.
Land barons linked to Zanu PF and opposition parties have been clashing with local authorities after grabbing open spaces, including wetlands, for resale to unsuspecting home-seekers.
A 2019 commission of inquiry into the sale of State land in and around urban areas unearthed massive fraud and theft of State land valued at US$3 billion by top politicians and individuals in Zanu PF.
The theft of State and communal land has resulted in the mushrooming of illegal settlements, especially in Harare.
Zacc this week launched a five-day campaign targeting illegal parcelling of State and communal land by land barons.
The campaign, which runs until tomorrow, is being held under the theme Campaign Against Illegal Parcelling of State and Communal Land.
The programme, led by the anti-graft body’s education and public awareness department, began in Seke district at Chief Seke’s homestead and was attended by community members, traditional leaders and village heads.
Zacc manager for education Munyaradzi Magiga said the commission was prioritising public education as a key weapon against land corruption.
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“This campaign is not just about catching the corrupt; it is about empowering the public with the knowledge to protect themselves,” Magiga said.
“People must understand that no one has the right to sell or allocate State or communal land outside the legal framework.”
He said illegal land grab continued to threaten peace, development and fairness in land distribution.
“Land is a national resource that must be distributed fairly and lawfully,” he said.
“Illegal parcelling of land does not only create confusion; it fuels conflict, marginalises the poor and erodes trust in both traditional and government institutions.”
Seke district ward 3 village head, Nehemiah Bwoni, said land barons were grabbing vast pieces of land in the area.
“Unscrupulous individuals come claiming authority, selling land without any legal backing,” he said.
“This programme is long overdue and very necessary.”
Zacc officials urged residents to report suspected land scams and avoid informal transactions.
The campaign is set to continue in other areas across Mashonaland East province throughout the week.
Unsuspecting home-seekers have been left counting losses when local authorities demolish houses illegally built on council land.
