Decide Nhendo
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the arrest of a total of 545 people in connection with illegal settlements in the ongoing Operation Order No To Land Barons.
Masvingo Provincial Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said as of Wednesday January 24, 2024, 545 people had been arrested for settling in prohibited areas in Masvingo Province.
The operation which came into effect on January 10 2024 is a joint operation between the Police, local authorities, Environment Management Agency (EMA) and those from Ministry of Lands.
Dhewa said most of the illegal settlers being arrested were from Lake Mutirikwi basin where 65 people were arrested for settling within prohibited dam basin as well as Mushandike Ressetlement Area and in Triangle.
“Lake Mtrikwi Basin, Mushandike Area and Triangle have the highest number of people arrested under the operation,” said Dhewa.
Dhewa warned all those staying at the illegal settlements to vacate before they are arrested.
“Arrested people are being taken to courts and I urge all those staying on prohibited land to vacate such places as settling in such areas is contravening section 56(20) of the Water Act chapter 20:24,” said Dhewa.
The ‘Operation Order No To Land Barons’ is still going on with the aim of bringing sanity to communal lands in Zimbabwe.
