Govt descends on land barons

GOVERNMENT has set up an implementation committee to deal with land barons alleged to have illegally sold state owned land.

Justice secretary Virginia Mabhiza said land barons exposed by the commission of inquiry into the sale of State land would be prosecuted.

“The terms of reference of the implementation committee shall be to co-ordinate and work closely with relevant institutions to facilitate further investigation and litigation of matters recommended for prosecution by the Inquiry,” she said while announcing the committee.

Mabhiza said litigation would not be the sole aim of the implementation commission, but will also look at protecting those who bought land from the barons to ensure that they are not unfairly displaced or robbed.

“Advice and avail appropriate remedies for aggrieved beneficiaries and other actors in urban state land administration. Formulate strategies to ensure that developers with outstanding debts pay intrinsic land value to government. Produce periodic reports for submission to Cabinet through relevant policy coordination pathways,” she said.

Mabhiza said the implementation commission will be led by the Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, members from the ministry and one or more commissioners from the commission of inquiry.

The inquiry exposed massive corruption on land sales, but the report has not been made public.