Eureka Mine Accused of Bribing Chief and MP Amid Allegations of Community Abuse

GURUVE - A disturbing case of alleged corruption and human rights violations has emerged in Mashonaland Central, where Eureka Mine stands accused of bribing local leaders - including Chief Chipuriro and Guruve North MP Tendai Pinduka - with sandwiches and cash to suppress reports of torture and abuse against artisanal miners.

According to community sources, the gold mine has been violently cracking down on locals seeking access to a gold ore dump. The latest controversy erupted after Chief Chipuriro confirmed to Bulawayo24.com that he and other officials routinely receive "delicious sandwiches" and "fuel allowances" during stakeholder meetings hosted by the mine.

"Those are just fabrications by enemies of progress," said Chipuriro. "The mine has helped us with donations and perks that have improved our welfare. We support their efforts to fight criminals who loot gold ore."

He dismissed allegations of torture, branding the victims as "criminals" who should "rot in jail" for threatening investment in the area. "A chief should not stand with criminals merely because they live in his jurisdiction," he added.

However, artisanal miners and residents claim the mine has become notorious for brutality, with reports of hospitalisations and fatalities linked to its security operations. Eureka Mine has also been accused of polluting Dande Dam, resulting in livestock deaths and environmental degradation.

The situation reflects a broader pattern of alleged human rights abuses tied to foreign-owned mining operations in Zimbabwe. A growing body of reports highlights arbitrary arrests, forced displacements, and physical violence - often with the tacit support of local authorities.

Zimbabwe's constitution guarantees protection from torture, access to clean water, and freedom from arbitrary eviction. Civil society groups are calling for urgent investigations to ensure that development does not come at the expense of human dignity.

Efforts to obtain comment from Eureka Mine spokesperson Tinago were unsuccessful at the time of publication.