Seke– Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe has publicly named two individuals, identified only as Mabhiza and Magaya, as alleged land barons behind illegal settlements at Gilstone Farm, as he issued a seven-day ultimatum for all unlawful occupiers to vacate the state property.

Speaking on site Thursday while flanked by law enforcement officers, Garwe ordered the two to stay away from the farm, warning that he would personally return in “combat” gear if they defied his directive.

“Mabhiza and Magaya, down with you,” Garwe said. “If I hear that they have set foot in this place, I will personally put on my combat and come here.”

He said it was wishful thinking to be lied to by “false prophets” when it comes to state land calling on citizens to reject being duped.

” And there are those who are duped and who listen to false prophets. It does not work,” he said, without mentioning the names of the alleged false prophet.

The minister gave illegal settlers until Wednesday next week to leave the land, which he said has been officially allocated to war veterans with valid paperwork.

He warned that any occupants still present by Thursday would face enforcement action, including the deployment of additional police and soldiers from Harare.

“Today, before dusk, we pack our belongings and go back to where we came from. Today is Thursday, tomorrow is Friday and we have Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. So I am giving you until Wednesday to vacate this farm. I expect to see only rats left behind,” Garwe said.

During the minister’s address, some illegal settlers broke into ululation—a traditional expression of praise—though it remained unclear whether the chanting was in defiance or acknowledgment of the minister’s authority.

Garwe warned that regularisation programmes extended to other settlements such as Caledonia and Harare South would not apply to Gilstone Farm.

“This is state land, and it belongs to the President. Only a few war veterans are known to be here, and these are the ones who have the paperwork for this land. We don’t tolerate illegal settlements, and we do not promote lawlessness,” he said.

He instructed local police to ensure compliance, adding: “If you need more personnel, we can send you more soldiers and police officers from Harare.”

Addressing those who might defy the order, Garwe said: “If we respect war veterans, those that died and those who are still alive, we will follow this directive. We are law-abiding citizens and we do not promote lawlessness. If you want to try us and do not vacate, you will face the consequences.”