Msipa sucked in mine dispute

A technical team from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development would be at Arizona 33 and 45 mine tomorrow seeking to resolve the wrangle over the control of a suspected gold rich section of the mine that has sucked in Douglas Msipa, son of former Midlands Governor, Cephas Msipa.

Last week eight men were hospitalised after dynamite was allegedly thrown at them down a shaft at the disputed mine by a gang believed to be aligned to Douglas.

The contested mine is about 40km outside Gweru.

It has since emerged that the case of Douglas and his alleged workers from Arizona 33 was referred back to the police for further investigations by Area Prosecutor, Brian Mzemba contrary to claims that they were never arrested.

Sources at the court said the docket was charging Douglas and his alleged accomplices with assault and theft of ore.

Arizona 33 and 45 owners are now expected to meet with the ministry of mines team at the mining site along Matobo road. Peter Matole, the owner of Arizona 33 and Raymond Chinouya, a manager for Arizona 45 owned by Jacob Chokururama, both confirmed receiving letters indicating that they should be present when the mining directors arrive to solve the dispute.

Arizona 33 and 45 mine share the same gold belt and also share some tunnels underground as it was once one mine.