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Gold kingpin flees police dragnet as ZRP seizes six ore trucks in Bindura crackdown
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Police in Bindura have impounded six tipper trucks loaded with suspected gold ore illegally extracted from Phoenix Prince Mine, in a major operation targeting syndicates accused of looting resources under Mining Lease 21.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed that the trucks were intercepted during a coordinated operation led by officers in Mashonaland Central, marking one of the most significant crackdowns in the area in recent months.
The case has been registered under RRB 6420180, with investigations now widening to identify key players behind the alleged illicit mining activities.
Authorities say the suspected ringleader, Sicelo “Stillo” Mbambo, fled moments before the police swoop, leaving behind six drivers and a contracted security team at the site.
The individuals are assisting police with investigations, with officers indicating that some may have been unknowingly drawn into the operation.
Mbambo is now the subject of a manhunt, alongside truck owner Stanley Kangoro, both facing allegations linked to the theft and illegal transportation of gold ore. Police sources confirmed that Mbambo is “on the run” as efforts intensify to track him down.
Investigations have also drawn attention to Mbambo’s planned 50th birthday celebrations in Zanzibar, scheduled for 5–9 June at Hotel Le Mersenne.
Police sources say financial trails linked to the event are now under scrutiny as part of broader efforts to trace proceeds from the alleged illegal mining operation.
Preliminary findings indicate that illegal mining activities at Phoenix Prince Mine operated under a profit‑sharing arrangement in which artisanal miners retained 70 percent of extracted gold while surrendering 30 percent to operators allegedly linked to Botha Gold Mine.
The arrangement reportedly functioned outside the legal framework governing Mining Lease 21, held by Freda Rebecca Gold Mine under Mutapa Gold Resources. Police allege that Mbambo continued extracting and disposing of gold ore without authorisation, even after a government‑backed moratorium encouraging artisanal miners to regularise operations.
Authorities estimate that he may have benefited from around 10 kilogrammes of gold, valued at over US$850,000 at current market prices.
The seizure of the six trucks is expected to assist investigations into the scale of the operation and help trace assets believed to have been acquired through proceeds of illegal mining.
The crackdown follows heightened scrutiny of activities at Phoenix Prince Mine after multiple prohibition orders were issued by authorities and the death of 26‑year‑old artisanal miner Tinashe Chauke on 23 April 2026.
Government officials and local stakeholders have welcomed the police action, describing it as a critical step in restoring order and enforcing mining regulations in the area. ZRP Bindura was asked for comment on the manhunt for Sicelo Mbambo, the value of the seized ore and whether Interpol will be notified ahead of the June Zanzibar trip.
No response had been received by print deadline.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed that the trucks were intercepted during a coordinated operation led by officers in Mashonaland Central, marking one of the most significant crackdowns in the area in recent months.
The case has been registered under RRB 6420180, with investigations now widening to identify key players behind the alleged illicit mining activities.
Authorities say the suspected ringleader, Sicelo “Stillo” Mbambo, fled moments before the police swoop, leaving behind six drivers and a contracted security team at the site.
The individuals are assisting police with investigations, with officers indicating that some may have been unknowingly drawn into the operation.
Mbambo is now the subject of a manhunt, alongside truck owner Stanley Kangoro, both facing allegations linked to the theft and illegal transportation of gold ore. Police sources confirmed that Mbambo is “on the run” as efforts intensify to track him down.
Investigations have also drawn attention to Mbambo’s planned 50th birthday celebrations in Zanzibar, scheduled for 5–9 June at Hotel Le Mersenne.
Police sources say financial trails linked to the event are now under scrutiny as part of broader efforts to trace proceeds from the alleged illegal mining operation.
Preliminary findings indicate that illegal mining activities at Phoenix Prince Mine operated under a profit‑sharing arrangement in which artisanal miners retained 70 percent of extracted gold while surrendering 30 percent to operators allegedly linked to Botha Gold Mine.
The arrangement reportedly functioned outside the legal framework governing Mining Lease 21, held by Freda Rebecca Gold Mine under Mutapa Gold Resources. Police allege that Mbambo continued extracting and disposing of gold ore without authorisation, even after a government‑backed moratorium encouraging artisanal miners to regularise operations.
Authorities estimate that he may have benefited from around 10 kilogrammes of gold, valued at over US$850,000 at current market prices.
The seizure of the six trucks is expected to assist investigations into the scale of the operation and help trace assets believed to have been acquired through proceeds of illegal mining.
The crackdown follows heightened scrutiny of activities at Phoenix Prince Mine after multiple prohibition orders were issued by authorities and the death of 26‑year‑old artisanal miner Tinashe Chauke on 23 April 2026.
Government officials and local stakeholders have welcomed the police action, describing it as a critical step in restoring order and enforcing mining regulations in the area. ZRP Bindura was asked for comment on the manhunt for Sicelo Mbambo, the value of the seized ore and whether Interpol will be notified ahead of the June Zanzibar trip.
No response had been received by print deadline.
Source - Byo24news
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