BY SAMUEL NJINGA
Two self-proclaimed village heads near Tugwi Mukosi Dam in Ward 34, Rupike, under Chief Nyajena in Masvingo, are at the center of a land scandal involving illegal sales of communal land to desperate villagers.
Taurai Matukutire and Happious Pikisayi stand accused of exploiting their positions to sell land, raking in significant amounts of money and livestock in the process. According to a document compiled by angry villagers, Matukutire allegedly sold plots to 21 individuals, amassing a staggering US$5,750 and two cattle. Pikisayi, on the other hand, is accused of receiving US$1,800 from six buyers.
The illegal transactions have caused outrage in the community, with villagers accusing the two leaders of betraying their trust and violating customary laws governing communal land.
“These leaders are supposed to be custodians of the land, not profiteers. Their actions are tearing our community apart,” said Tawanda Chateya who is one of the renowned farmers in the area.
The document circulating within the community lists the names of villagers who paid money to the two heads. Some victims claim they were promised secure land ownership but now face eviction threats as the deals were not sanctioned by traditional or local government authorities.
Apparently there is a Chieftainship wrangle in the Chief Nyajena clan. Sources close to the current acting Chief Nyajena, Grace Zengeya, indicated that the land scandal has reached her office and an investigation is underway.
Masvingo Rural District Council officials have also been alerted to the issue. A council representative, speaking on condition of anonymity, warned that such illegal land sales undermine efforts to manage land use sustainably around Tugwi Mukosi Dam, a critical area for development and conservation. The Masvingo Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Martin Mudziro said his office had not yet received such a complaint.
“I haven’t received such a complaint, once we hear anything concerning it, we will definitely assist accordingly,” said Mudzivo.
Community members are now calling for accountability and restitution. “We want these village heads removed from their positions and the money refunded to those who were duped,” another villager who identified himself as Vurayai Shumba demanded.
Elias Gwatirera who is one of the members of Chief Nyajena`s Traditional Court advisors breathed fire over the issue, dismissing claims that the two were village heads.
“We are in the resettlement areas. There are no village heads here. These are mere chairpersons meant to administer the smooth running of government projects such as food aid and presidential inputs, nothing else. Surprisingly these people have advanced to ordain themselves village heads, they are taking advantage of the Chieftainship wrangle that is prevailing,” said Gwatirera.
“They are not the only ones. We have a lot of them masquerading as village heads and they are yet to be summoned to the traditional court. The majority of them are taking advantage of the absence of a substantive Chief. We pray that the government intervenes.”
Contacted for comment, both Matukutire and Pikisayi dismissed everything as false claims from their adversaries who are full of hatred and jealousy. “These are malicious lies being unleashed by jealous people who hate me,” said Matukutire who maintained that he was appointed village head by the Chief and government in particular.
“There are certain people who are bent on tarnishing my good reputation. Don`t listen to them. I know of the real people who are selling land, to include village heads, not me. I suspect that these allegations are emanating from an unscrupulous bunch of illegal fishermen at Chemombe and Tugwi Mukosi whom I once arrested,” said Pikisayi.
The Tugwi Mukosi area has long been targeted for land grabs and disputes due to its strategic location and agricultural potential. This latest incident highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing traditional governance systems with modern land management policies.
Acting director for Local Government Services in the Masvingo province, Ray Hove is expected to issue a statement soon after carrying out investigations. Meanwhile, tensions in the community remain high as villagers wait for action against the implicated leaders.