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Zanu-PF praise singer entangled in mining dispute
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Zanu-PF praise singer David Masomere, popularly known as DJ Masomere, and his business associate Kennedy Sithole are embroiled in controversy over alleged fraud and illegal acquisition of mining claims across Zimbabwe. The duo, reportedly operating under the name of Wan Wenjin Jewellers (Pvt) Limited, a Chinese-registered company, face accusations of using fraudulent documents to seize mining claims in Stapleford, Penhalonga, Mutasa District, among other areas.
Chief Mutasa, the traditional leader of the area, has reportedly opposed the duo's activities, claiming that the land was wrongly taken. Sithole, however, dismissed these claims, attributing them to disgruntled former shareholders, while Masomere stated the matter is currently before the courts and denied wrongdoing.
Despite their defence, Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando has revoked Wan Wenjin Jewellers' mining licences in Mutasa District, citing irregularities in registration and compliance under the Mines and Minerals Act. Subsequently, Chief Mutasa was granted Special Grant No. 10007 under the Mutasa Mining Syndicate, allowing him to carry out gold mining operations in the area.
Further complications have arisen from a pending legal dispute involving Rock Investments, which alleges that Masomere and Sithole sold a mining claim for US$500,000, receiving only US$200,000 to date. According to legal practitioner Prince Mahembe, Wan Wenjin Jewellers continued mining operations despite contractual obligations to halt activities until full payment and transfer of the claim, constituting a material breach of agreement. The matter has been filed as an urgent application at the High Court, with Rock Investments seeking to prevent further depletion of the mineral resource.
In a separate development, Wan Wenjin Jewellers issued a public notice distancing itself from Sithole, warning the public and stakeholders against engaging with him. The notice alleges Sithole may have been involved in creating and presenting fraudulent company documents, and cautioned that anyone dealing with him would do so at their own risk.
The unfolding situation has placed Masomere and Sithole at the centre of a legal and reputational storm, highlighting ongoing concerns over fraudulent mining practices and corporate governance in the sector.
Chief Mutasa, the traditional leader of the area, has reportedly opposed the duo's activities, claiming that the land was wrongly taken. Sithole, however, dismissed these claims, attributing them to disgruntled former shareholders, while Masomere stated the matter is currently before the courts and denied wrongdoing.
Despite their defence, Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando has revoked Wan Wenjin Jewellers' mining licences in Mutasa District, citing irregularities in registration and compliance under the Mines and Minerals Act. Subsequently, Chief Mutasa was granted Special Grant No. 10007 under the Mutasa Mining Syndicate, allowing him to carry out gold mining operations in the area.
In a separate development, Wan Wenjin Jewellers issued a public notice distancing itself from Sithole, warning the public and stakeholders against engaging with him. The notice alleges Sithole may have been involved in creating and presenting fraudulent company documents, and cautioned that anyone dealing with him would do so at their own risk.
The unfolding situation has placed Masomere and Sithole at the centre of a legal and reputational storm, highlighting ongoing concerns over fraudulent mining practices and corporate governance in the sector.
Source - Newsday
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