Zimbabwe armed syndicate sparks chaos in gold fields

A high-stakes gold dispute involving a Chinese miner and local partners has exposed lawlessness and the influence of an armed syndicate terrorising the Makaha mining area, stealing tonnes of gold ore valued at millions of dollars.

Court documents reveal that the syndicate not only invades mines but also allegedly wields undue control over the Makosa Police Station, with officers accused of failing to assist victims and ignoring illegal activities. The gang has also reportedly used militias to enforce court orders instead of following proper legal channels.

In one high-profile case, on November 14, High Court judge Justice Regis Dembure granted an interdict in favour of Futeng Investments (Pvt) Ltd, ordering the Nyamayenzou B2 mining syndicate and individuals Emmanuel Ndemera and Chrispen Katogu to vacate a 37-hectare mine they had illegally occupied within 24 hours.

However, prior to that ruling, Ndemera and his associates had forcefully taken over a separate mining location owned by Zhangveng Mine. Court filings indicate that on September 8, 2025, Ndemera, armed with a purported court order, led more than 15 men — some carrying firearms — to seize and transport gold residue from Zhangveng's site to his own Koodoo 83 mine. Excavators and multiple trucks were used in a continuous operation lasting through the night and the following day.

"The purported court order did not authorise the first respondent to resort to self-help or conduct blatant thievery," the court papers stated. "The order was being abused by the first respondent, and the looted gold residue is valued at US$5 million."

Footage from the invasion, presented as evidence in court, captured the operation in detail. Employees of Zhangveng Mine allege that police officers refused to intervene, with Ndemera boasting that senior police officials at Murewa District Headquarters were "in his pocket."

In response, Ndemera claimed he was merely recovering property legally belonging to him, asserting that police had given him the "greenlight" to act.

High Court judge Neville Wamambo granted an interdict in favour of Zhangveng Mine, noting the potential for escalating anarchy if the syndicate's vigilante actions continued unchecked.

"In the circumstances before me, the applicant has established its entitlement to relief," Justice Wamambo said. "Failure to intervene could result in unprecedented lawlessness, given the first respondent's conduct in enforcing the court order without adherence to legal procedures."

The Makaha gold dispute highlights systemic challenges in Zimbabwe's mining sector, including illegal mining, corruption, and the vulnerability of legitimate operators to armed syndicates. The case remains before the courts as authorities grapple with restoring law and order in the gold-rich region.