The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has opened a case into alleged illegal land sales and the fencing of communal land in the /Khomanin settlement area in the Khomas region.

This follows growing complaints that residents are being pushed out of key grazing and residential areas.

The case comes after a senior government official in the Directorate of Resettlement under the ministry, Clement Kwala, visited the area last Thursday, where community members raised a series of concerns over land allegedly being sold or occupied by private individuals, including prominent figures, despite the land falling under government jurisdiction.

Residents say the situation has negatively affected grazing land for their livestock. They added that access to settlement space for locals has become increasingly difficult, as many cannot afford to purchase land and are now forced to compete for limited grazing and residential areas.

Community members specifically raised concerns about !Nauspoort, where they allege large portions of land have been fenced off by prominent and wealthy individuals claiming to have purchased the land, leaving only limited areas available for grazing.

Residents say this has restricted access to communal grazing land, forcing some families to overcrowd smaller portions while others occupy fenced-off sections.

“We are struggling for space while large portions are fenced off by people who claim they bought the land. The locals are left with nothing,” one resident said during a gathering at a community hall.

Allegations

Some residents further allege that prominent individuals, including politicians, are among those who have acquired land in the area.

Government action

During his visit last Thursday, the ministry representative (Kwala) informed residents that the government will open a case and will investigate all reported incidents, including the alleged illegal sale of land and fencing of communal areas.

“After I leave this place, I will head straight to the police and open a case against the people who have done illegal fencing here. We, as a government, will look into it and ensure that the issue is handled,” he said.

Authorities also stated that land under government jurisdiction cannot be privately sold without following proper legal processes, and that any irregular transactions would be reviewed.

Community concerns

Residents say the alleged land transactions have directly affected their livelihoods, particularly livestock farming, as grazing land continues to shrink due to fencing and occupation by private owners.

The situation has also intensified long-standing tensions between residents and the /Khomanin Traditional Authority, with some community members accusing the leadership of failing to prevent the alleged misuse of communal land.

Community members say they are hopeful that the government investigation will bring clarity, halt further land fencing, and restore fair access to land for local residents.

-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na