Farmers and safari operators in Insiza North have been assured of government protection against illegal miners and individuals using political figures’ names to threaten land seizures, Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs minister Albert Nguluvhe said.
Speaking during a tour of farms, safaris and businesses in Claremont, Emkhayeni and Shangani, Nguluvhe warned that no one was above the law and urged farmers facing threats to demand documentation proving the legality of any claims against their properties.
“From today onwards, nobody should threaten you by using anybody’s name. Nobody is above the law. If anyone says they are doing something, bring papers which show that what they are doing is legal,” Nguluvhe said.
“I know a lot of people have been threatened, people name-dropping and using big names. Don’t allow anyone to do that.
“My office is there to serve you. Feel free at any time to bring any of your issues to my office so that we can help each other.”
The minister said the government would not tolerate political connections being used to intimidate farmers or facilitate unlawful activities.
His final stop was Jabulani Safaris in the Shangani Sanctuary, where he met farmers, operators, residents, Zanu PF officials and tourism operators to discuss tensions involving agriculture, mining and conservation.
Nguluvhe said disputes could only be resolved through dialogue and lawful processes.
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“There is no issue which cannot be resolved. Every problem can be resolved. What is important is for people to sit down and discuss, and at the end you will find a solution,” he said.
He urged communities not to wait for authorities in Harare to resolve local problems.
“No one will come and resolve our problems in Matabeleland South,” the minister said. “We have to start resolving our own problems.”
Nguluvhe also pledged government support for addressing drought-induced water challenges through increased borehole drilling, specifically promising a drill rig for the province.
He advised businesses requiring assistance to approach his office with written requests, saying the government wanted to grow investment, promote tourism and create employment in Matabeleland South.
The minister was accompanied by Insiza North legislator Delani Moyo and Ward 23 shadow councillor Sikhanyisiwe Nkomo.
The meeting, hosted by Charles Nyathi, was attended by JRG management, farmers and residents.
The visit comes amid growing concerns over illegal mining, agricultural land disputes and alleged attempts to use political influence to gain control of properties.
It follows recent reports of an unannounced visit by Land Inspectorate officials to Makovani Estates in Insiza Valley amid an ownership dispute.
Makovani Estates, owned by Harold Schur, has been the subject of repeated visits by individuals claiming to represent new landowners.
According to an incident report filed by manager Richard Kreidl on August 6, four Land Inspectorate officials arrived at the homestead on August 5 accompanied by seven men, without prior notice.
Kreidl said he found one Gibson Siziba and the officials at the property, with Siziba introducing two men as the “new landowners”.
The officials questioned Kreidl about operations and sought information about the estate’s owner and manager.
When asked about the purpose, they cited “underlying issues” but did not disclose details.
Kreidl said similar incidents occurred in 2025, when the group allegedly accessed the staff village in management’s absence and questioned employees about farm implements and operations.
The repeated incidents created an intimidating environment, with some staff subsequently leaving.
Management sought clarification from the ministry of Lands and the Land Inspectorate on the latest inspection and the status of the individuals introduced as the “new landowners”.
Kreidl has since said the matter appears to have gone quiet after being reported to the ministry.
“There has been no incident since then. It has gone quiet after it was discovered that there was a bogus attempt to take over the farm and it became clear that it belongs to Schur,” he said.
“The land commissioner from Filabusi came here and it was established that the farm belonged to Schur and efforts were bogus attempts to take it away from him.”
The Makovani Estates dispute has added to concerns over land security in the province, with Nguluvhe now warning that political name-dropping and unlawful attempts to take control of land would not be tolerated.
