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Alleged Gold Smuggling Syndicate Siphons Over US$10 Million from Zimbabwe Formal Sector

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A mining syndicate operating in Zimbabwe’s formal gold market is believed to have illegally diverted more than 120 kilograms of gold — valued at in excess of US$10 million — over a period of under two years, according to production data and internal documents obtained by investigators.

The company at the centre of the investigation, Podhill (Pvt) Ltd (Silobela, Kwekwe District), is co‑owned by Chinese national Zuo Wenzhong and Australian businessman Moham Karim. The business is accused of under‑declaring its output while running large‑scale unrecorded gold smelting operations.

According to official filings, Podhill declared less than 4 kg of gold for 2024, despite internal mine records showing it processed over 3,000 kg of ore every month and produced multiple gold batches off‑book.

Investigators say that in December 2024 the company’s carbon‑in‑pulp (CIP) processing line yielded nearly 1.5 kg of gold per batch, with payment notes showing transactions as high as US$16,000 handled via a partner identified as “Talib”. Yet only 300 g of that was officially delivered for refinement.

Between May and June 2024, Podhill’s heap‑leaching operation reportedly processed more than 3,000 kg of feed material and generated at least US$117,000 per smelt run, revenue investigators believe was never declared to Zimbabwe’s tax authority or the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ).

Further financial analysis shows that small but very pure gold batches (flotation amalgam) were privately sold at US$70 per gram — significantly higher than the official price — to undisclosed buyers tied to foreign markets.

The syndicate is reported to have used private air cargo, cash transactions, and trusted couriers to move smelted gold from Zimbabwe’s Midlands Province to refiners in Dubai and China.

Podhill is controlled through a 95 % share held by Generous Resources (Pvt) Ltd, which is under Zuo’s control. Other linked companies identified in the probe include Milhub, as part of the wider network moving gold outside state oversight.

Key individuals named in the investigation include general manager He Huayang and director Duan Yuanbin, both Chinese nationals, along with associate Mohamad Taleb and business partner Moham Karim. They are alleged to have managed a sophisticated scheme that masked illegal extraction and export as legitimate mining.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Minerals and Border Control Unit is reportedly investigating the affair, with financial records, ledgers and photographs now forming part of the evidence being traced through the interconnected companies.

Industry watchers note that Zimbabwe’s gold sector is vulnerable to such diversion because gold is high‑value and low‑bulk, making it susceptible to leakage into international markets via weak enforcement and porous borders.

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‘Catch Them Young’: Junior Golf Drive Gains Momentum at President’s Cup

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A strong push to “catch them young” is taking shape in Zimbabwean golf, as the ongoing President’s Cup Juniors Tournament highlights the importance of early talent identification and development.

Now in its third day, the four-day event running from April 14 to 17 at Bulawayo Country Club Golf Course has drawn promising young golfers from across the country, all showcasing skill, discipline and growing confidence on the course.

ZGA president Blessmore Gandawa said investing in young players is the only sustainable way to grow the sport.

“We believe in catching them young. The earlier we introduce structured training and competitive exposure, the better we prepare them for the future. What we are witnessing here is a generation that, with proper support, can take Zimbabwean golf to greater heights,” he said.

Gandawa credited parents and coaches for their dedication, saying their involvement is laying a solid foundation for long-term success.

Among the standout young players is Ayanda Ndlovu, who recently represented Zimbabwe in Ireland. Her participation on the international stage at such a young age underscores the value of early development and exposure.

Other juniors have also impressed across various age categories, reinforcing the depth of talent emerging through grassroots programmes.

NetOne Cellular Pvt Ltd partners said their support is anchored on empowering young people and creating opportunities through sport.

Public Relations Manager Ernest Magadzire said junior golf development aligns with the company’s broader vision.

“Supporting these young golfers is about investing in the future. We are seeing talent, discipline and passion at a very early stage, and that is exactly why platforms like this are important. These are future champions in the making,” he said.

NetOne Regional Manager Gugulethu Ndlovu added that early exposure builds not only sporting ability but also character.

“When you catch them young, you are not just developing athletes — you are shaping confident, disciplined individuals. We are impressed by the maturity and focus shown by these juniors, and we remain committed to supporting their journey,” she said.

As the tournament heads towards its conclusion on Friday, the message from stakeholders is clear — investing in junior golfers today is key to securing Zimbabwe’s success on the international stage tomorrow.

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Fuel Stations Ignore ZERA’s $2.23 Price Order

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Engen service
Defying ZERA: An Engen service station in Zimbabwe continues to sell fuel above the regulator’s pegged price of US$2.23 per litre. Photo taken on 7 April 2026.
A quick snapshot survey conducted by Hurumende News Hub has revealed that many fuel service stations across Zimbabwe are openly defying the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) by selling petrol and diesel above the officially pegged price of US$2.23 per litre.
The survey findings confirm reports from price monitoring platform Zimpricecheck that the non-compliance, which initially started at stations in remote and outlying areas, has now spread to service stations in major urban centres, including central business districts (CBDs).
Photos and on-ground checks shared by the platform show clear examples, such as an Engen service station displaying pump prices higher than the ZERA-regulated rate.
Motorists have expressed growing frustration with the continued price discrepancies, despite repeated announcements by the regulator.
It remains unclear whether the stations have any special dispensation or arrangement allowing them to charge more.In response to the high prices, ZERA has indicated plans to reduce the cost of petrol in the coming weeks by increasing the ethanol blending ratio to 20% (E20).
ZERA is yet to issue an official statement addressing the findings of the Hurumende News Hub survey and the latest reports of stations selling above the regulated price.
This development adds to the mounting pressure on the fuel sector, as ordinary Zimbabweans continue to grapple with high living costs and fluctuating fuel prices.
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Zim Export Ban Prompts China Embassy Compliance Alert

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Zim Export Ban Prompts China Embassy Compliance Alert

The Government of Zimbabwe has recently suspended exports of raw minerals and lithium concentrates and introduced new regulations concerning reserved sectors.

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Zimbabwe reminds Chinese enterprises and nationals in Zimbabwe to further strengthen risk prevention and compliance awareness.

These developments follow Zimbabwe’s policy shifts in February 2026, including the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development’s immediate export suspension announced on February 25, 2026.

The measures are intended to address malpractices, promote local beneficiation, and enforce reserved sectors under new indigenisation rules (e.g., Statutory Instrument 215 of 2025).

In this context, investors should conduct a comprehensive, in-depth assessment of the local business environment, industrial policies, and relevant laws and regulations; fully consider investment and operational risks; and make informed decisions to avoid losses from government policy changes.

In the course of production and business operations in Zimbabwe, Chinese enterprises and nationals should strictly abide by local laws and regulations, adopt proactive risk prevention and control measures, and protect their legitimate rights and interests through legal channels.

 

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