Land sharks keep building houses without permission in Bulawayo despite many warnings from the government. People who buy from these criminals risk losing their homes and money. The newest problem involves plot 17 under Umguza Rural District Council. Mr Steven Maxen Maphosa sold this land to Mr Trust Vumbunu back in 2022. Later, Mr Ndanisa Sibanda took over amid claims of cheating and lies. People say Mr Sibanda keeps breaking the rules even after officials told him to stop.
Tsholotsho South lawmaker Musa Ncube warned everyone about these shady deals. She asked people to be careful when buying land from anyone at Lot 17. These sellers offer land without water, roads, or power. They lack proper papers and approvals. Buyers should check with local authorities before paying any money. The chief officer at Umguza RDC, Mr Collen Moyo, confirmed these facts. He said his office knows nothing about development plans or money changing hands for this area.
Nobody could reach the elderly Mr Maphosa, who is 82 years old. Mr Sibanda acts as his spokesperson. Mr Sibanda worked as manager for Maczola Investments under Mr Vumbunu before he grabbed control of the plot last year. Nothing has changed or improved on the land yet. People who already paid money for stands must sign brand-new agreements with different rules. The current deal forces buyers to pay 60 percent upfront, plus the rest over two years.
The contract says buyers accept the land exactly as it exists, with all problems becoming their responsibility. Mr Sibanda claims he has permission from the Ministry of Lands to sell this property. This statement clashes with what Umguza RDC officials say because nobody asked them first. Mr Sabelo Mapasure runs Beacon of Life Institute on one stand. He paid money based on a ten-year payment plan with Mr Vumbunu. Then, Mr Sibanda cut this time down to three years and sent eviction letters.
One person who lives there said she cannot build because permits stopped coming after Mr Sibanda took charge. Another resident complained about paying extra fees for stamp duty despite already paying under the old agreement. Papers show that Mr Maphosa originally sold the 20.4479-hectare land to Mr Vumbunu for US$132,000. Lawyers claim Mr Vumbunu only paid US$44,350 before dividing the land into 232 small plots illegally. Local councillor Obert Mangwana says these land sharks target weak people who need homes. Many want police to investigate these problems right away.
Tsholotsho South lawmaker Musa Ncube warned everyone about these shady deals. She asked people to be careful when buying land from anyone at Lot 17. These sellers offer land without water, roads, or power. They lack proper papers and approvals. Buyers should check with local authorities before paying any money. The chief officer at Umguza RDC, Mr Collen Moyo, confirmed these facts. He said his office knows nothing about development plans or money changing hands for this area.
Nobody could reach the elderly Mr Maphosa, who is 82 years old. Mr Sibanda acts as his spokesperson. Mr Sibanda worked as manager for Maczola Investments under Mr Vumbunu before he grabbed control of the plot last year. Nothing has changed or improved on the land yet. People who already paid money for stands must sign brand-new agreements with different rules. The current deal forces buyers to pay 60 percent upfront, plus the rest over two years.
The contract says buyers accept the land exactly as it exists, with all problems becoming their responsibility. Mr Sibanda claims he has permission from the Ministry of Lands to sell this property. This statement clashes with what Umguza RDC officials say because nobody asked them first. Mr Sabelo Mapasure runs Beacon of Life Institute on one stand. He paid money based on a ten-year payment plan with Mr Vumbunu. Then, Mr Sibanda cut this time down to three years and sent eviction letters.
One person who lives there said she cannot build because permits stopped coming after Mr Sibanda took charge. Another resident complained about paying extra fees for stamp duty despite already paying under the old agreement. Papers show that Mr Maphosa originally sold the 20.4479-hectare land to Mr Vumbunu for US$132,000. Lawyers claim Mr Vumbunu only paid US$44,350 before dividing the land into 232 small plots illegally. Local councillor Obert Mangwana says these land sharks target weak people who need homes. Many want police to investigate these problems right away.
