The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a firm denial of claims circulating on social media that police officers were directly involved in a violent land dispute at Lea Farm in Nyabira, Mashonaland West Province. In a detailed statement released over the weekend, the police clarified that the matter is entirely under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, and that their role has been limited to maintaining law and order.
According to the ZRP, recent reports that accused state security agents of unlawfully evicting settlers and using heavy-handed tactics were not only misleading but also factually incorrect. The controversy erupted after a video surfaced online showing a tense standoff at the farm, allegedly involving uniformed officers and local settlers.
Police explained that the land in question was initially allocated to a beneficiary, one Cosmas Washayanyika, through an offer letter issued by the Ministry of Lands. However, the Ministry later withdrew this offer on legal grounds, making Washayanyika’s continued occupation of the property unlawful.
“The correct position is that the case falls under the purview of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, which legally withdrew the offer letter issued to Cosmas Washayanyika. Therefore, any complaints or queries regarding the ownership and allocation of the land must be directed to the Ministry,” the police statement read.
ZRP Denies Involvement in Lea Farm Land Dispute, Arrests Six Over Assault and Kidnapping of Officers
While distancing itself from the land dispute itself, the ZRP confirmed that it had intervened at the scene after an altercation erupted between Washayanyika and others at the property. During this confrontation, six individuals, including Washayanyika, allegedly assaulted and kidnapped police officers who had been deployed to de-escalate tensions and ensure public safety.
The six suspects were promptly arrested and are now facing serious charges related to assault and unlawful detention of law enforcement personnel. The ZRP emphasized that such acts of aggression against officers performing their lawful duties would not be tolerated and would be met with the full force of the law.
“Our involvement is strictly to ensure peace and order while the Ministry of Lands addresses and resolves the ongoing land contestations,” said the police. “No member of the police force has been involved in land allocation or evictions.”
The incident has once again sparked controversy around Zimbabwe’s land reform policies and the conduct of state security services during land-related disputes. Some human rights organizations and civic groups were quick to allege that the police had participated in illegal evictions and violent confrontations with settlers.
The ZRP, however, has strongly pushed back against these allegations, urging civil society actors to seek accurate information before disseminating claims on social media or other public platforms.
“We appeal to human rights organizations to verify information with Police Commanders before posting unverified facts on social media. Spreading inaccurate and misleading information can unnecessarily incite public anger and inflame already delicate situations,” the police warned.
This latest incident has reignited public debate around transparency, accountability, and fairness in Zimbabwe’s land reform programme. Critics argue that while the redistribution of land is essential to address historical injustices, the process remains prone to political manipulation and administrative inconsistencies.
Analysts say that incidents like the one at Lea Farm highlight the urgent need for a clear, rules-based approach to land allocation and dispute resolution. The lack of clarity around offer letters, land tenure, and state involvement has often led to tension, sometimes escalating into violence.
The ZRP reiterated its commitment to protecting life and property and maintaining national peace amid contentious land issues. The force said it will continue to intervene only when public safety is threatened and insisted that law enforcement must not be used as a scapegoat in disputes driven by unresolved administrative issues.
“As the police, our constitutional duty is to preserve peace and protect citizens. We call on all stakeholders, including community members and civil society, to allow legal processes to unfold and to refrain from actions that may provoke unrest or put lives at risk,” the statement concluded.
As investigations continue and the suspects face prosecution, the situation at Lea Farm remains a test case for how Zimbabwe navigates the complexities of land reform — and the delicate balance between law enforcement, civil rights, and state policy.
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