At the heart of this crisis are the so-called “sabhuku deals” — the illegal sale of communal and state land by traditional leaders and opportunistic middlemen. A Government at War with Land BaronsThe Zimbabwean government has made its stance clear: the era of illegal land sales is over. Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, recently met with villagers to address complaints of illegal land allocations and intimidation. Chiefs have expressed concern that the “sabhuku deals” are destroying the integrity of rural communities and creating chaotic, unplanned settlements. As the government continues its “war on land barons,” the “sabhuku deals” that once seemed like a shortcut to homeownership are increasingly ending in tears.