The government has launched a joint operation targeting illegal rural land sales in Zvishavane district amid growing concerns over the proliferation of so-called "sabhuku deals," in which communal land is allegedly being sold unlawfully by some village heads.
In a notice dated June 26, 2026, the Local Government and Public Works ministry, through the Zvishavane District Development Coordinator's office, informed all traditional leaders in the district that the Zimbabwe Republic Police, working together with the Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development ministry, will carry out a strict law enforcement operation.
According to the notice, the operation is aimed at curbing the illegal distribution, subdivision and sale of communal and agricultural land across the district.
The government said it had observed a growing trend of illegal land sales within communal areas, with reports alleging that some village heads were subdividing communal grazing land, riverbanks and State land before selling it to home seekers.
"This communication serves to inform you of an ongoing strict law enforcement operation being conducted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police in conjunction with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development," reads part of the notice.
Authorities said the exercise is intended to dismantle illegal land allocation networks and protect communal land from unauthorised occupation and sale.
Traditional leaders have been notified that police officers will begin visiting their respective jurisdictions during the week beginning June 30, 2026, as part of the enforcement exercise.
The notice was signed by Zvishavane district development coordinator Darlington Chokera.
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The latest operation comes as the government intensifies efforts to combat illegal land transactions, which have increasingly been blamed for unplanned settlements, land disputes and the loss of communal grazing areas in several parts of the country.
