News / National
Ex-Zanu-PF chef in gold claim row
07 Jan 2026 at 20:03hrs |
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Villagers in Makaha, Mudzi district, Mashonaland East, have accused former Zanu-PF director of information Danny Musukuma of forcibly seizing their gold claims, triggering a tense dispute over small-scale mining rights.
The villagers, including a widow and the family of the late Juwau John Nkomo, allege that Musukuma exploited political connections to take control of their mines, which are their primary source of income. In a video that has since gone viral, residents and a local village head claim Musukuma has intimidated and threatened them, even brandishing a firearm.
"My father died at the age of 106. When we engaged Musukuma over the gold claim ownership, he threatened us with a gun," said Rabson Nkomo, executor of the late Nkomo's estate. "People are losing their gold claims here to Musukuma; we are appealing to the government to come and assist us. We are being terrorised in broad daylight."
The villagers claim that Musukuma has enjoyed impunity due to his influence over Makosa Police Station, with officers allegedly ignoring complaints against him and, in some cases, arresting the victims instead. Seventy-year-old widow Diana Mandiseka Munyoro told reporters that Musukuma destroyed her gold claims, farmland, cyanide tanks, and three crushing engines, leaving her dependent on neighbours for water.
Village head Chitiyo confirmed that Musukuma openly disregards local authority and has harassed residents who attempt to assert their mining rights. "We appeal to the government or the responsible authorities to assist us before blood is spilled here," he said.
Efforts to reach Musukuma for comment were unsuccessful. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that investigations into the matter have been launched.
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions in Zimbabwe's artisanal and small-scale mining sector, where politically-connected figures are often accused of exploiting their positions to take over legitimate mining claims. Residents have also filed complaints with the Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission regarding alleged misconduct by Makosa police officers.
The villagers, including a widow and the family of the late Juwau John Nkomo, allege that Musukuma exploited political connections to take control of their mines, which are their primary source of income. In a video that has since gone viral, residents and a local village head claim Musukuma has intimidated and threatened them, even brandishing a firearm.
"My father died at the age of 106. When we engaged Musukuma over the gold claim ownership, he threatened us with a gun," said Rabson Nkomo, executor of the late Nkomo's estate. "People are losing their gold claims here to Musukuma; we are appealing to the government to come and assist us. We are being terrorised in broad daylight."
Village head Chitiyo confirmed that Musukuma openly disregards local authority and has harassed residents who attempt to assert their mining rights. "We appeal to the government or the responsible authorities to assist us before blood is spilled here," he said.
Efforts to reach Musukuma for comment were unsuccessful. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that investigations into the matter have been launched.
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions in Zimbabwe's artisanal and small-scale mining sector, where politically-connected figures are often accused of exploiting their positions to take over legitimate mining claims. Residents have also filed complaints with the Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission regarding alleged misconduct by Makosa police officers.
Source - Newsday
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