Crime and Courts
Mutoko Court Convicts Chinese ‘Investor’ Over Stolen Gold Ore
A Chinese national, initially presented as a gold mining investor, has been found guilty of stealing gold ore worth more than US$875,000 from a local small-scale miner while illegally conducting operations in Makaha, Mashonaland East.
Court records from the Mutoko Regional Magistrates Court and documents obtained from the Ministry of Mines reveal a well-organised scheme involving Zheng Zhangxian, the so-called investor, in collusion with a ministry official and others.
Zheng’s company, Reajin Enterprises—dubiously registered and operating under the name Takura Mining Syndicate—was ordered to pay restitution of US$875,667.67. The syndicate had been encroaching on Emmanuel Ndemera’s Koodoo 83 claim for four years. Their registered site bordered Ndemera’s, yet they deliberately extracted ore from his ground.
Evidence presented showed that Zheng mined more than 5,000 tonnes of gold ore from 75 metres beneath Ndemera’s claim. Investigations further revealed that Mines Ministry inspector Anthony Singende accepted a US$350 bribe to obstruct inquiries and even authorised continued blasting on the disputed claim, in violation of ministry regulations. Singende has since been fired and now faces trial at the Marondera Magistrates Court.
A report following the probe confirmed the illegal encroachment and recommended that Takura Mining Syndicate cease operations within Ndemera’s territory and construct a 6-metre containment wall inside its own boundary, as required under Statutory Instrument 109 of 1990 (Mine Management and Safety Regulations).
It was also established that the stolen ore was processed at Zhangveng Milling Plant, owned by Zheng in partnership with another local operator. Both ventures were exposed last month for running without proper authorisation. According to regulations, foreign investors must obtain clearance from the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) and formally register companies, yet Zheng bypassed these requirements by creating syndicates with local partners.
On September 8, Reajin Enterprises was convicted of contravening Section 113(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act in conjunction with Section 379 of the Mines and Minerals Act, covering theft of gold ore. The court fined the company US$3,000, ordered repayment of US$875,667.67, and directed that all ore dumps be returned to Ndemera.
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Crime and Courts
Illegal miner jailed 5 years for gold worth USD 12
A Ruwa man will rue the day after he defied the cultural day (Chisi) and went on to illegally pan gold at a mine shaft after he was sentenced to five years imprisonment for unlawful possession of 0.096 grammes of the metal.
According to court records Tafadzwa Matsika (45) was sentenced to five years in prison for the illegal possession of gold.
NPA said Matsika was arrested on the 20 August 2025 at Greencroft mining compound mine after officials received information that someone was illegally panning for gold on cultural day of rest known as (Chisi).
“Mine officials tracked his spoor from a mining shaft to a nearby compound where they confronted the offender.
“Matsika produced a sachet of toasted gold weighing 0.096 grammes from his pocket but could not produce a mining license or permit.”
Crime and Courts
Police Deploy Breathalysers and Speed Cameras Ahead of Festive Season
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) will this weekend begin deploying breathalysers and speed cameras on major highways as part of a nationwide campaign to curb drunk driving and speeding, two leading causes of road fatalities.
Transport Minister Felix Mhona said the new technology will allow officers to deal “directly and scientifically” with reckless drivers. “This is about restoring discipline on our roads,” Mhona said. “These measures will reduce accidents and enhance public safety.”
The rollout marks Zimbabwe’s first large-scale use of modern road enforcement tools. It coincides with the introduction of a new fleet of Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) vehicles, which will strengthen inspections and ensure vehicles are certified fit for the road.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged motorists to exercise caution, drive responsibly, and avoid unnecessary risks. “Road safety is a collective responsibility. Vehicles must be serviced and certified fit to be on the road,” he said.
The initiative comes as authorities brace for increased travel and festive season traffic, a period historically associated with high accident rates.
Crime and Courts
Meru service station robbed 9K
Four armed robbers outfoxed security personnel manning Kwekwe Meru service station before they blew up a safe and fled with over USD 9 000.
National Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident saying investigations are underway.
He said the robbery occurred on 17 November 2025 at Meru service station Kwekwe. “Four armed men approached a Fawcett officer who was on duty and forced him to lie on the ground.
“They tied his hands and legs before dragging him into the building.
“A second Fawcett officer ran into the building and was also caught while attempting to notify the Fawcett Reaction Team,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He said the suspects tied his hands and legs. and dragged him into the same room where the other Fawcett officer was being held.
“The suspects then forced their way into the second room, where three officers were asleep and tied the officers as well.
“They blasted a wall-mounted safe and seized USD 9 700.”
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