News / National
Soldiers help Chinese gold miners invade Chimanimani
4 hrs ago |
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A storm is brewing in eastern Zimbabwe after a group of unidentified Chinese nationals reportedly launched large-scale illegal riverbed gold mining operations in Chimanimani, allegedly with the backing of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) and local traditional leadership.
The controversial project, situated along the Haroni River between Rusitu Valley and the Chimanimani National Park, has already fenced off vast tracts of land traditionally occupied by the Ndau community for generations.
Villagers say the mining activities threaten their livelihoods, with more than 3,500 families facing possible displacement from over 500 hectares of ancestral land. The area is part of a district with a population exceeding 153,000, according to the 2022 national census.
Despite a national ban on riverbed and alluvial mining under Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024, investigations by NewZimbabwe.com in collaboration with the Information for Development Trust (IDT) indicate that operations are continuing unchecked.
The Chimanimani Rural District Council has reportedly failed to halt the activities or identify the mining company involved.
Residents in at least 14 villages fear forced relocation, drawing parallels with the displacement of communities in Chiadzwa following diamond discoveries in 2008.
Banana farming — the backbone of the local economy — has been severely disrupted. Roads used to transport produce have been destroyed by heavy mining vehicles, leaving fruit to rot and cutting off income for families.
"We are living in fear," said Patience Mazemu, a local activist. "We fear they will come for us because we are speaking out."
Another villager, Miriam Chekure, said her livelihood has collapsed.
"The Chinese have destroyed our roads. Trucks no longer come to collect our bananas. We can no longer pay school fees," she said.
Villagers claim they are being told they could be relocated to Gokwe, an arid region unsuitable for banana farming.
Traditional leader Chief Peter Ngorima confirmed that soldiers were present at the site, claiming the mining operation had been authorised by unnamed "seniors."
"I know what is happening there… these people were sent by my seniors. They are under the military," he said.
However, repeated efforts to obtain comment from army spokesperson Colonel Hlengiwe Dube were unsuccessful.
Sources within the local authority allege that soldiers are actively working alongside the miners, raising questions about the enforcement of mining laws.
Environmental damage in the area is already severe. The Haroni River has been diverted in places, with muddy, polluted water flowing downstream into Mozambique, sparking tensions with communities across the border.
The affected region lies near Chisango in Mozambique's Manica Province, where residents depend on the same water source for irrigation and drinking.
"There is potential for cross-border conflict," warned Farai Maguwu, director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance.
"Unregulated mining is contaminating rivers with mud and toxins. It is only a matter of time before this escalates."
Local teacher Godfrey Hlabiso echoed the concern, saying Mozambican communities have already issued threats over the pollution.
Beyond livelihoods, the mining has also disrupted sacred cultural sites. The Haroni River is central to traditional rainmaking ceremonies conducted by the Ndau people, practices now endangered by environmental degradation.
"It is where we performed our rituals," said Mazemu. "Now it is destroyed."
Community leaders, activists and villagers are calling for urgent government intervention, accusing authorities of turning a blind eye.
War veteran Rueben Zuze said the situation betrayed the ideals of the liberation struggle.
"We fought against oppression, but today our own people are being oppressed because of gold," he said.
As tensions rise, the situation in Chimanimani highlights the growing conflict between resource extraction, environmental protection and community rights — with thousands of livelihoods hanging in the balance.
The controversial project, situated along the Haroni River between Rusitu Valley and the Chimanimani National Park, has already fenced off vast tracts of land traditionally occupied by the Ndau community for generations.
Villagers say the mining activities threaten their livelihoods, with more than 3,500 families facing possible displacement from over 500 hectares of ancestral land. The area is part of a district with a population exceeding 153,000, according to the 2022 national census.
Despite a national ban on riverbed and alluvial mining under Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024, investigations by NewZimbabwe.com in collaboration with the Information for Development Trust (IDT) indicate that operations are continuing unchecked.
The Chimanimani Rural District Council has reportedly failed to halt the activities or identify the mining company involved.
Residents in at least 14 villages fear forced relocation, drawing parallels with the displacement of communities in Chiadzwa following diamond discoveries in 2008.
Banana farming — the backbone of the local economy — has been severely disrupted. Roads used to transport produce have been destroyed by heavy mining vehicles, leaving fruit to rot and cutting off income for families.
"We are living in fear," said Patience Mazemu, a local activist. "We fear they will come for us because we are speaking out."
Another villager, Miriam Chekure, said her livelihood has collapsed.
"The Chinese have destroyed our roads. Trucks no longer come to collect our bananas. We can no longer pay school fees," she said.
Villagers claim they are being told they could be relocated to Gokwe, an arid region unsuitable for banana farming.
Traditional leader Chief Peter Ngorima confirmed that soldiers were present at the site, claiming the mining operation had been authorised by unnamed "seniors."
"I know what is happening there… these people were sent by my seniors. They are under the military," he said.
However, repeated efforts to obtain comment from army spokesperson Colonel Hlengiwe Dube were unsuccessful.
Sources within the local authority allege that soldiers are actively working alongside the miners, raising questions about the enforcement of mining laws.
Environmental damage in the area is already severe. The Haroni River has been diverted in places, with muddy, polluted water flowing downstream into Mozambique, sparking tensions with communities across the border.
The affected region lies near Chisango in Mozambique's Manica Province, where residents depend on the same water source for irrigation and drinking.
"There is potential for cross-border conflict," warned Farai Maguwu, director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance.
"Unregulated mining is contaminating rivers with mud and toxins. It is only a matter of time before this escalates."
Local teacher Godfrey Hlabiso echoed the concern, saying Mozambican communities have already issued threats over the pollution.
Beyond livelihoods, the mining has also disrupted sacred cultural sites. The Haroni River is central to traditional rainmaking ceremonies conducted by the Ndau people, practices now endangered by environmental degradation.
"It is where we performed our rituals," said Mazemu. "Now it is destroyed."
Community leaders, activists and villagers are calling for urgent government intervention, accusing authorities of turning a blind eye.
War veteran Rueben Zuze said the situation betrayed the ideals of the liberation struggle.
"We fought against oppression, but today our own people are being oppressed because of gold," he said.
As tensions rise, the situation in Chimanimani highlights the growing conflict between resource extraction, environmental protection and community rights — with thousands of livelihoods hanging in the balance.
Source - NewZimbabwe
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