Human Rights Lawyers Secure Release of Villagers Arrested Over Land Occupation Charges

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has secured the release of three villagers who were facing charges of illegally occupying state land. Stanley Dhlamini, Viola Magutshwa, and Nkosizile Khumalo, residents of Greenlands village in Matabeleland South province, were summoned to appear at the Tredgold Magistrates Court in Bulawayo.

The villagers were accused of occupying gazetted land without lawful authority, allegedly since 2017. However, they denied the charges, claiming they were legally settled in Greenlands village and possessed official documents to support their claim. They also pay prescribed taxes to the Insiza Rural District Council.

The trio was represented by Jabulani Mhlanga of ZLHR. On January 13, 2026, prosecutors noted that the prosecution was not in order, and the villagers were set free. They were advised that they might be summoned again once the National Prosecuting Authority rectifies the issues.

This is not an isolated incident, as residents in the area have reportedly been arrested and charged with similar offenses in recent years. The accused often claim they are in legal occupation of their land, sparking questions about the legitimacy of the charges.