News / National
Zanu-PF chefs invade gold claims
1 hr ago |
51 Views
Foreign investor Forbes and Thompson (Pvt) Ltd has filed an urgent application at the Bulawayo High Court, seeking a spoliation order against several Zanu-PF leaders over the alleged illegal occupation of its gold mining claims in Matabeleland South.
The application names Moses Langa, the local Zanu-PF legislator, along with party members Madodana Sibanda, Raison Mutengeni, Aldonia Gondo, Takeson Moyo, and Alot Ndlovu as respondents. The Mines and Mining Development ministry is also cited.
According to the investor, the group invaded Mining Lease 16, which includes the Vumbachigwe Mine, depriving the company of peaceful and undisturbed possession. Forbes and Thompson is requesting the court to restore possession of the mine and to authorise the Sheriff and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to remove the invaders if they refuse to vacate.
Forbes and Thompson has held Mining Lease 16 since July 26, 1983, originally covering 1,036 hectares and later expanded to 1,678 hectares in 2005, encompassing locations such as Long John Kopje, Magana DB, Lady Lina, Banshee, Tortoise, Champion, and Sablevale. The company maintains it has developed infrastructure across the lease and complied with all regulatory requirements over the past four decades.
The investor alleges that on January 17, 2026, unauthorised machinery was reported on the Sweet Waters area, and efforts to stop the illegal activity failed despite intervention by security personnel and ZRP. On January 19, the unlawful occupation was publicly formalised when Langa and Gondo, allegedly State security officials, addressed over 200 people claiming to be Zanu-PF youths at the Central Shaft turnoff, assuring them of immunity and claiming backing from the Mines ministry and Zanu-PF headquarters.
Forbes and Thompson claims the illegal occupation has now become structured, with invaders introducing a register for panners and plans to fence the area. Mining is reportedly ongoing at Magano Shaft, within the company's leased area.
Attempts to resolve the matter through the Gwanda Rural District Council have reportedly failed, with the scale of the invasion and claims of political protection stalling effective action.
The matter is currently pending before the Bulawayo High Court.
The application names Moses Langa, the local Zanu-PF legislator, along with party members Madodana Sibanda, Raison Mutengeni, Aldonia Gondo, Takeson Moyo, and Alot Ndlovu as respondents. The Mines and Mining Development ministry is also cited.
According to the investor, the group invaded Mining Lease 16, which includes the Vumbachigwe Mine, depriving the company of peaceful and undisturbed possession. Forbes and Thompson is requesting the court to restore possession of the mine and to authorise the Sheriff and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to remove the invaders if they refuse to vacate.
Forbes and Thompson has held Mining Lease 16 since July 26, 1983, originally covering 1,036 hectares and later expanded to 1,678 hectares in 2005, encompassing locations such as Long John Kopje, Magana DB, Lady Lina, Banshee, Tortoise, Champion, and Sablevale. The company maintains it has developed infrastructure across the lease and complied with all regulatory requirements over the past four decades.
Forbes and Thompson claims the illegal occupation has now become structured, with invaders introducing a register for panners and plans to fence the area. Mining is reportedly ongoing at Magano Shaft, within the company's leased area.
Attempts to resolve the matter through the Gwanda Rural District Council have reportedly failed, with the scale of the invasion and claims of political protection stalling effective action.
The matter is currently pending before the Bulawayo High Court.
Source - Southern Eye
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
