Rains expose illegal mining at Christmas Pass

THE recent rains have exposed continued illegal mining activities at the Christmas Pass Mountain Range after mudslides affected Hillcrest College and the nearby Toronto residential area in Penhalonga, raising fears of a potential disaster.

Last year, Government issued a directive ordering the suspension of illegal mining operations in the area to ensure compliance with the law, curb environmental degradation and reduce health and safety risks linked to unregulated mining.

Civil society organisations, led by the Centre for Natural Resources Governance (CNRG), also protested against the illegal mining at Christmas Pass in 2025, a move that temporarily halted operations.

However, investigations by NewsDay, conducted together with CNRG executive director Mr Farai Maguwu, revealed that mining activities have continued, allegedly under the cover of darkness. Despite the presence of security guards restricting access during the day, mining reportedly resumes at night.

Chinese investors, along with Farai Chimonyo and a man identified only as Chad, were allegedly seen at the site. Chimonyo is reported to be the owner of the mine.

An official at the mine confirmed that there had been reports of mudslides affecting surrounding areas.

"We have been here for several weeks, but the Chinese investors and our boss, Farai Chimonyo and Mr Chad, are coming during the night to do mining," the official said.

"We are seeing mudslides going into the school and the Toronto residential area. If the rains continue, we are going to see a disaster."

A Hillcrest College staff member, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the school had reported the matter to the authorities.

"I am told they were stopped from mining, but during the night there is machinery working on the mountain range because we hear the noise," he said, referring further questions to the school's board.

"We are certain that the respective authorities are aware of the mining taking place in Toronto. Yes, there are some mudslides, but they are yet to reach our blocks. However, if the rains continue and the mining continues, then there is going to be a disaster."

The once lush green slopes of the Christmas Pass Mountain Range, previously covered by dense woodlands, are now scarred by red soil, open trenches and visible erosion. The damage is apparent from a distance and is encroaching dangerously close to telecommunications towers located above Hillcrest College.

Mr Maguwu described the situation as a criminal matter that requires urgent law enforcement intervention.

"It is now up to the law enforcement to track this Chad guy and his Chinese partners in crime so that they are brought to book because they have no right to profiteer and put the lives of other people at risk," he said.

"Government must protect residents, professionals and scholars from these criminals who are weakening the structural integrity of Christmas Pass."

Mr Maguwu called for the arrest and prosecution of those behind the illegal mining operations.

Meanwhile, acting Manicaland police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said police would carry out investigations into the matter.