Government Orders Immediate Evacuation of Illegal Settlers on State Land

The Government has issued a stern warning to illegal settlers occupying rural State land, ordering them to vacate immediately or face prosecution under the country’s land laws.

Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Masuka, said there has been a worrying rise in cases of people illegally settling on agricultural land across the country. He emphasized that the occupation of such land without official approval is a criminal offence.

“In terms of the Gazetted Lands (Consequential Provisions) Act [Chapter 20:28], it is a crime to occupy rural State land without lawful authority,” said Dr. Masuka. “No person may hold, use, or occupy gazetted land unless such authority has been granted by the Minister.”

The warning comes amid growing concerns over land disputes and the improper use of agricultural land that is meant to contribute to national food security and economic development under Vision 2030.

“All illegal occupiers of such land should, therefore, immediately vacate rural State land,” the Minister said. “Failure to vacate will result in prosecution in terms of the Gazetted Lands Act.”

He further stressed that land remains a key economic asset and its allocation must follow proper channels to ensure sustainable development and the success of the land reform programme.

The Ministry is expected to intensify inspections and enforcement operations to remove illegal settlers and restore order to affected farming areas.