High Court orders Zanu-PF members to remove illegal miners from Vubachikwe Mine
GWANDA – The High Court of Zimbabwe has issued a spoliation order against six individuals, including Zanu-PF Youth Leader for Matabeleland South, Moses Langa, for the unlawful occupation of Duration Gold Ltd’s Mining Lease 16, which incorporates Vubachikwe Mine.
The other respondents named in the order are Aldonia Gondo, Madodana Sibanda, Takeson Moyo, Alot Ndlovu, and Taison Mutengeni.
While the first five consented to the order, admitting their actions were illegal and agreeing to remove over 200 illegal miners from the site, Mutengeni did not appear in court.
High Court judge Justice Vivian Ndlovu granted the same order against him in his absence.
The Ministry of Mines did not oppose Duration Gold’s application and filed no papers challenging the order.
“The 1st to 6th Respondents and all those claiming occupation through them are hereby ordered to restore possession of the Mining Location, Mining Lease 16, which incorporates Vubachikwe Mine, to the Applicant, forthwith, failing which the Sheriff for the High Court of Zimbabwe with the assistance of the Zimbabwe Republic Police is hereby authorised to assist the Applicant to recover vacant possession through ejecting the Respondents and all those claiming occupation through them,” Justice Ndlovu ruled.
The matter arose after Duration Gold Ltd filed an urgent application, alleging that the six individuals forcibly occupied Vubachikwe Mine without legal authority.
According to court papers filed by Forbes and Thompson (Bulawayo) (Private) Limited, the company was in peaceful possession of the mining lease prior to the alleged unlawful takeover.
The application highlighted that disputes over possession must be resolved through lawful channels and not through self-help or force.
Duration Gold, represented by renowned criminal lawyer Admire Rubaya, sought to compel the respondents, along with anyone claiming occupation through them, to vacate the mine immediately.
The company also requested authority for the Sheriff of Zimbabwe, with assistance from the Zimbabwe Republic Police, to enforce the order if necessary.
In court documents, Duration Gold highlighted the urgency of the matter, stating that continued occupation was causing ongoing and irreparable damage to the mine, including loss of gold ore and destruction of infrastructure.
The company also sought costs from the respondents on a legal practitioner and client scale.
Observers including investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono commented on the case, suggesting it highlights broader concerns about political interference in Zimbabwe’s economic assets.
They noted that repeated politically driven asset seizures, particularly in the mining sector, have undermined investor confidence and hindered foreign direct investment in the country.
