# Zimbabwe crackdown on illegal land occupation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/zimbabwe-crackdown-on-illegal-land-occupation > Updated: 2026-08-25T03:20:58.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. The Zimbabwean government initiated a nationwide crackdown on illegal land barons and rogue traditional leaders following a directive from President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe stated that multi-agency enforcement teams would be deployed to dismantle criminal networks involved in the illegal occupation, subdivision, and sale of state, local authority, and communal land. Following this directive, authorities began widespread demolitions of illegal settlements in both urban and rural regions. In the Zvimba district, the Zvimba Rural District Council targeted settlements facilitated by informal transactions with village heads. In Harare, the City Council moved to demolish over 100 illegal settlements in areas such as Kuwadzana Paddocks, Budiriro, and Greendale, citing the use of forged documents and night-time invasions. The council emphasized that no regularisation would be granted for developments on protected wetlands, recreational areas, or new invasions occurring after September 24, 2023. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-25: Zimbabwean authorities demolish illegal settlements in Harare and Zvimba Zimbabwean authorities are demolishing illegal settlements in Harare and Zvimba as land barons use forged documents and informal “sabhuku deals” to occupy protected land and public sites. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zimbabwean-authorities-demolish-illegal-settlements-in-harare-and-zvimba ### 2026-07-29: Zimbabwe intensifies nationwide crackdown on illegal land barons Zimbabwe's government, led by Minister Daniel Garwe, launched a nationwide crackdown on illegal land barons and rogue traditional leaders, ordering arrests, prosecutions and removal from office with multi‑agenc 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zimbabwe-intensifies-nationwide-crackdown-on-illegal-land-barons --- Cite as: Zimbabwe crackdown on illegal land occupation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/zimbabwe-crackdown-on-illegal-land-occupation