The town further suffered from the expropriation of white-owned commercial farms in the controversial land reform programme that began in 2000.

The town grew primarily because of its role as a service centre for surrounding commercial farms and mining settlements.

The amalgamation resulted in the creation of the Zvimba Rural District Council (ZRDC), with the head office being located at Murombedzi growth point.

Crispen Kadhoza (ZANU-PF) served as councillor for Banket in ZRDC until losing ZANU-PF primary elections in 2008,[citation needed] and could therefore not represent the party in the electoral contest of 29 March, which was won by the MDC's Fanuel Tembo and Emmanuel Chinanzvavana who became the councillors for the two wards.

In 2008 Banket gained international fame following a series of politically motivated abductions of supporters of the opposition party.