6 trucks seized in gold crackdown

Police have impounded six tipper trucks loaded with suspected illegally mined gold ore at Phoenix Prince Mine, popularly known as Kitsiyatota, in a high-impact operation targeting illicit mining activities.

The trucks were intercepted within Mining Lease 21 (ML21), a site increasingly associated with disputes over mining rights and allegations of illegal extraction.

Authorities confirmed that investigations are underway under a theft of gold ore docket (RRB 6420180), with police now pursuing suspected syndicate leader Sicelo Mbambo, who reportedly fled moments before the raid. He is wanted together with Stanley Kangoro, as investigators widen their probe into what is believed to be an organised illegal mining network.

Sources indicate that Mbambo left behind six drivers and a contracted security team at the scene, all of whom are now assisting police with investigations. Detectives are said to be tracking his movements amid indications he had planned to travel to Zanzibar in June.

Law enforcement sources further revealed that financial flows linked to the alleged operation are under scrutiny. Preliminary findings point to an illicit profit-sharing arrangement that existed at Phoenix Prince Mine prior to a recent Government push to formalise artisanal mining activities.

Authorities allege that illegal miners retained a portion of the extracted gold, while the remainder was channelled through intermediaries operating within the contested mining area.

The mine falls under the jurisdiction of Freda Rebecca Gold Mine, the legally recognised holder of ML21, with oversight linked to Mutapa Gold Resources. Police believe Mbambo operated outside this legal framework, extracting and disposing of gold ore without authorisation.

Investigators estimate that the suspected operation may have generated gold worth hundreds of thousands of US dollars, although assessments are still ongoing.

The operation follows increased Government intervention after the death of a 26-year-old artisanal miner at the site earlier this week. Authorities had issued prohibition orders citing "immediate and unacceptable risks to life," amid concerns that illegal mining activities were continuing despite warnings.

The latest crackdown signals a shift toward stricter enforcement measures aimed at curbing illegal mining and protecting national mineral resources.

By the time of publication, questions sent to the Zimbabwe Republic Police in Bindura had not been answered. Police have since urged Mbambo to surrender himself to the nearest police station.