Charamba threatens villagers

Civil society organisations have accused Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba of intimidating members of the Buhera Residents Network Trust (BRNT) after the group petitioned Parliament over alleged environmental and health concerns linked to Sabi Star Lithium Mine.

BRNT alleged that villagers living near the mine have been affected by dust pollution from heavy trucks operating on local roads, with claims that some residents have developed respiratory and stomach-related illnesses while livestock have also died.

The organisation did not disclose the alleged threats made against its members, but several civic groups condemned what they described as an attempt to silence citizens exercising their constitutional right to petition Parliament.

In a joint statement, the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), Zimbabwe Diamond Workers Union (ZIDWU), Centre for Peace Research and Development in Africa (CPRDA) and Zivai Community Empowerment Trust said intimidation of community representatives undermined parliamentary oversight and discouraged citizens from raising legitimate concerns.

"These are matters of profound public interest, not personal grievances. They raise questions about compliance with Zimbabwe's environmental, labour and mining laws and warrant a thorough and impartial investigation by Parliament and the relevant oversight institutions," the organisations said.

The allegations emerged after BRNT appeared before a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee investigating concerns raised by villagers. The committee subsequently held two public hearings in Buhera, including meetings at St Albans Primary School and Murambinda Growth Point.

However, Charamba criticised the petition, describing the concerns raised by BRNT as misguided and urging villagers to work with Sabi Star Mine to benefit from the investment.

In an interview with Chipinge Times, Charamba said he was angered that an organisation claiming to represent Buhera residents had raised complaints against a major investment project.

"I am in the President's office and I meet an association that claims to be representing me over a stupid matter, how do you think my principal is going to relate to me? That I sent people to say stupid things like that? There is an issue of misrepresentation. They are not representing Buhera," Charamba said.

He argued that communities should seek partnerships with mining companies rather than approach Parliament with complaints that could undermine investment.

The civic groups, however, maintained that BRNT was acting within its constitutional rights by raising concerns affecting residents and called for an investigation into the alleged threats.

The controversy comes amid growing scrutiny over the environmental and social impacts of Zimbabwe's expanding lithium mining sector, with communities increasingly demanding greater accountability, transparency and protection of their rights.