Opinion / Columnist
Chaos at Mazowe mine
2 hrs ago | Views
The situation at Mazowe Jumbo Mine is complex and marred by corruption, violence, and illegal activities. At the center of the controversy is a man named Knowledge Rutavi, who claims to be a representative of former employees but has been accused of being a criminal with connections to high-ranking politicians.
Rutavi's background is questionable, with reports suggesting that he was dismissed from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)due to corruption and misconduct. Despite this, he has managed to exert significant influence over the mine, allegedly using his connections claim, his closeness to second Vice president cde Kembo Mohadi , politibiro member Senator Cde Omega Hungwe , CIO high ranked official Tapomwa and the ZRP Deputy comissioner general Steve Mutamba to mention but just a few. Intimidating, terrorizing ,interfering with mazowe metallion gold Mine cooperation operations hence exploitation of the precious mineral resources is the hit Christmas song of self opointed untouchable prefect at mazowe Jumbo mine Mr Knowledge Rutavi .
The mine has been plagued by illegal mining activities, with gangs of machete-wielding individuals terrorizing the area , surprisingly, crimes of serious nature such as killing of people are happening under gaurd and watch of the Zimbabwe Republic Police suport unity whose constittutional core mandate is to protect and savegaurd lives and properties. allegedly the ZRP suport unity was contructed to provide mine security services in a deal amounting 18 k plus per month in return of the coperate security services by Mazowe metallion gold Mine cooperation. The police response has been inadequate, to anextend where by senior ZRP suport unity Chief Supretendent Marange has been fingered out in corruption and working with criminals in the illegal mining activities at mazowe metalliongold Mine. The Ministry of Mines' instructions and recommendations such as closing of illegal mining pits and rehabilitation of usable mining shafts have been discarded and ignored due to criminals and political influence putting lives of the innocent at risk and making mazowe metallion corporation compliance and adherence to the mining laws difficult if not impossible.
From 2018 to date several deaths have been recorded due to ground degradation as a result of illegal mining activities by criminals claiming to be zanu pf youths and other part official such as cde Chawana and his counterpart loice chenjerai who was convicted for contempt of high court order by the Magistrate ,concession court sometimes in July 2024 she is now playing her her cards from a distance. Loice Chenjerai is also known for her controversy in the Mash Central ZANU PF part circles.
Furthermore, there are concerns about corruption and name-dropping, with politicians and criminals allegedly working together disguised and misquarreding as representing the former employees interest in a justified political will, in actual fact disregarding and undermining the fundermental principals of good governance,that's Zimbabwe is open for business mantra, in line with the vision 2030 SDGs by his exallence the president of Zimbabwe Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa.
The concerns of Mazowe Jumbo Mine's former employees are multifaceted and alarming. It appears that these criminal individuals masquerading as former employees the likes of Knowledge Rutavi, Makotore and their colleagues committing fraud, and sabotaging investments and economic development. These criminals are reportedly enjoying the spoils of the mine's precious gold production, selling it on the black market without paying taxes or contributing to the government's national fiscas.ยน
Furthermore, the claims of unpaid salaries and terminal benefits dating back to 2018, have been long resolved by the Labour court . Criminals hiding under former employees made several attempts appealing agirnist Labour court running in favor of the company ,fraudulent attempt s of creating liability for the company to pay in usd not rtgs currenncy ot the time . Some appeals and dubious coperate rescue application were disregarded and dimissed by the Supreme Court of zimbabwe, some where removed off the role by the Comercial court of zimbabwe some time in August 2024 and some pending in the labor court. The company, Metallon Gold, committed to pay the owed salaries using bond notes ,pay ment was made in the employee legal practitioner account in 2019 but some employees rejected to collect demanding payment in US dollars instead.
The mine was first established in 1896, during the colonial era, and was initially operated by the British South Africa Company.
The mine changed hands several times, with various companies operating it until the 1960s.
The mine was nationalized by the Zimbabwean government and operated by the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC).
The mine was privatized and acquired by Metallon Gold, a company owned by Mzi Khumalo, a South African businessman.
Mzi Khumalo, a South African businessman, acquired Metallon Gold in the 2000s and expanded the company's operations in Zimbabwe.
Under Khumalo's leadership, Metallon Gold became one of the largest gold producers in Zimbabwe, with operations at Mazowe Jumbo Mine, among others.
In 2023, Nambi Investments, a Zimbabwean company, acquired the Mazowe Jumbo Mine from Metallon Gold. The acquisition marked a new era for the mine, with Nambi Investments promising to revitalize operations and ensure the mine's sustainability.
However, despite the changes in ownership and management, the mine has continued to face challenges, including:
- Illegal mining activities
- Corruption and name-dropping
- Violence and intimidation
- Labor disputes and unpaid salaries
- Environmental degradation
As the head of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Block, it is essential to address these challenges and ensure that the Mazowe Jumbo Mine operates in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Rutavi's background is questionable, with reports suggesting that he was dismissed from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)due to corruption and misconduct. Despite this, he has managed to exert significant influence over the mine, allegedly using his connections claim, his closeness to second Vice president cde Kembo Mohadi , politibiro member Senator Cde Omega Hungwe , CIO high ranked official Tapomwa and the ZRP Deputy comissioner general Steve Mutamba to mention but just a few. Intimidating, terrorizing ,interfering with mazowe metallion gold Mine cooperation operations hence exploitation of the precious mineral resources is the hit Christmas song of self opointed untouchable prefect at mazowe Jumbo mine Mr Knowledge Rutavi .
The mine has been plagued by illegal mining activities, with gangs of machete-wielding individuals terrorizing the area , surprisingly, crimes of serious nature such as killing of people are happening under gaurd and watch of the Zimbabwe Republic Police suport unity whose constittutional core mandate is to protect and savegaurd lives and properties. allegedly the ZRP suport unity was contructed to provide mine security services in a deal amounting 18 k plus per month in return of the coperate security services by Mazowe metallion gold Mine cooperation. The police response has been inadequate, to anextend where by senior ZRP suport unity Chief Supretendent Marange has been fingered out in corruption and working with criminals in the illegal mining activities at mazowe metalliongold Mine. The Ministry of Mines' instructions and recommendations such as closing of illegal mining pits and rehabilitation of usable mining shafts have been discarded and ignored due to criminals and political influence putting lives of the innocent at risk and making mazowe metallion corporation compliance and adherence to the mining laws difficult if not impossible.
From 2018 to date several deaths have been recorded due to ground degradation as a result of illegal mining activities by criminals claiming to be zanu pf youths and other part official such as cde Chawana and his counterpart loice chenjerai who was convicted for contempt of high court order by the Magistrate ,concession court sometimes in July 2024 she is now playing her her cards from a distance. Loice Chenjerai is also known for her controversy in the Mash Central ZANU PF part circles.
Furthermore, there are concerns about corruption and name-dropping, with politicians and criminals allegedly working together disguised and misquarreding as representing the former employees interest in a justified political will, in actual fact disregarding and undermining the fundermental principals of good governance,that's Zimbabwe is open for business mantra, in line with the vision 2030 SDGs by his exallence the president of Zimbabwe Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa.
The concerns of Mazowe Jumbo Mine's former employees are multifaceted and alarming. It appears that these criminal individuals masquerading as former employees the likes of Knowledge Rutavi, Makotore and their colleagues committing fraud, and sabotaging investments and economic development. These criminals are reportedly enjoying the spoils of the mine's precious gold production, selling it on the black market without paying taxes or contributing to the government's national fiscas.ยน
Furthermore, the claims of unpaid salaries and terminal benefits dating back to 2018, have been long resolved by the Labour court . Criminals hiding under former employees made several attempts appealing agirnist Labour court running in favor of the company ,fraudulent attempt s of creating liability for the company to pay in usd not rtgs currenncy ot the time . Some appeals and dubious coperate rescue application were disregarded and dimissed by the Supreme Court of zimbabwe, some where removed off the role by the Comercial court of zimbabwe some time in August 2024 and some pending in the labor court. The company, Metallon Gold, committed to pay the owed salaries using bond notes ,pay ment was made in the employee legal practitioner account in 2019 but some employees rejected to collect demanding payment in US dollars instead.
The mine was first established in 1896, during the colonial era, and was initially operated by the British South Africa Company.
The mine changed hands several times, with various companies operating it until the 1960s.
The mine was nationalized by the Zimbabwean government and operated by the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC).
The mine was privatized and acquired by Metallon Gold, a company owned by Mzi Khumalo, a South African businessman.
Mzi Khumalo, a South African businessman, acquired Metallon Gold in the 2000s and expanded the company's operations in Zimbabwe.
Under Khumalo's leadership, Metallon Gold became one of the largest gold producers in Zimbabwe, with operations at Mazowe Jumbo Mine, among others.
In 2023, Nambi Investments, a Zimbabwean company, acquired the Mazowe Jumbo Mine from Metallon Gold. The acquisition marked a new era for the mine, with Nambi Investments promising to revitalize operations and ensure the mine's sustainability.
However, despite the changes in ownership and management, the mine has continued to face challenges, including:
- Illegal mining activities
- Corruption and name-dropping
- Violence and intimidation
- Labor disputes and unpaid salaries
- Environmental degradation
As the head of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Block, it is essential to address these challenges and ensure that the Mazowe Jumbo Mine operates in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Source - Jumbo resident
All articles and letters published on Bulawayo24 have been independently written by members of Bulawayo24's community. The views of users published on Bulawayo24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Bulawayo24. Bulawayo24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.
