Mugabe appoints committee to investigate illegal land deals

President Robert Mugabe has reportedly appointed a Cabinet committee to probe illegal land deals in all major urban centres. The committee will be led by Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Misheck Sibanda and comprises of permanent secretaries from ministries of Lands, Local Government and other officials from the President’s Office.

Although Information minister Christopher Mushohwe was unreachable for comment, government sources told NewsDay that:

There is a feeling that land in urban areas, be it State land or municipal land, was not sold properly and some dubious people have abused it, something which the President knows is a political time bomb. Also, the issue of the land meant for party youths seems not to have been handled correctly, with allegations that a number of privileged businesspeople have allegedly privatised the land and are said to be lining their pockets while the youths are wallowing in poverty.

Saviour Kasukuwere yesterday would not confirm or deny the setting-up of a probe team, saying he did not attend Cabinet last week and was on sick leave. NewsDay reports that minister of information Christopher Mushohwe was not available for comment.

More: NewsDay