MARONDERA- The 17 people who had illegally settled at Dagbreek Farm in Chivhu were recently ordered to do 140 hours of community service each when they appeared before a Chivhu magistrate court.
They appeared before Sharon Nxongo and after a full trial, she also ordered the illegal settlers to vacate the farm.
The illegal settlers are now doing unpaid work at various institutions for contravening Section 3 (1) as read with Section 3 (4) of the Gazetted Land Act Chapter 20:28 Occupying gazetted land without lawful authority.
It was proved by prosecutor Ray Tsikayi that on an unknown date but during the period from 2014 to date, the accused persons settled at the farm and started farming operations.
They also built houses at the State-owned farm without lawful authority.
In the meantime, police in Mashonaland East province arrested people who illegally settled themselves in Longlands and Tantalon Farms in Beatrice.
The arrests were confirmed by the Mashonaland East police spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachiyi.
He said: “Sixteen persons were arrested in Longlands and Tantalon Farms in Beatrice and have appeared in court and are on remand. Fourteen others who were arrested in Longlands in December 29, 2023 are currently in police custody awaiting court appearance.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) would like to warn those who are illegally parcelling out land to desperate home seekers that the police have since identified them. The police are interested in interviewing the following suspects in connection with the above allegations, Michael Ndlovu, Zivengwa Mamina, Chrispen Magaya Shadreck Chimbare, Shepherd Jongwe, Misheck Chauma and Last Rutsvara. The listed individuals are urged to report to CID Chivhu and Beatrice.”
Inspector Chazovachiyi said only the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has the authority to allocate agricultural land.
“The police would like to advise the public that only the Ministry Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development is mandated to allocate agricultural land hence those who are in need of agricultural land should approach the Ministry.
“Anyone caught illegally settling or parceling out land, or making unauthorised development on private or gazetted land will face the full wrath of the law as it is a criminal offence,” Inspector Chazovachiyi said.
The Government is on record urging the public to desist from illegally settling especially in farms and now several arrests have been made across the country after some people failed to heed the warning.
