The High Court has found Korzim Strategic Minerals (Private) Limited in contempt of court and ordered the company to pay a US$4,000 fine following a long-running dispute over mining claims in Shamva.
Justice Munangati-Manongwa made the finding on 28 July 2026 under Case No. HCH547/26. The court also directed Korzim to meet Canterbury Mining (Private) Limited’s legal costs on a client-and-attorney scale.
The ruling follows an earlier declaratory order issued by Justice Tsanga on 10 December 2025. In that matter, Case No. HCH4776/25, the court declared Canterbury Mining the owner of all shares linked to the Dennis Registration claims numbered 33970 BM and 33971 BM, as well as Shamva 154-5, situated on Lot 1 of New Brixton Farm in Shamva.
The earlier order further declared Korzim’s registrations known as New Brixton 100 and New Brixton 101 null and void. Korzim was also restrained from interfering with Canterbury’s mining operations and ordered to pay the costs of the proceedings.
The latest contempt ruling has intensified concerns surrounding the treatment of Canterbury, a Dutch-owned mining company that says it has invested more than US$25 million in equipment and operations in Zimbabwe.
Investor files complaint over police conduct
Canterbury has separately complained to the Commissioner General of Police over what it describes as harassment by officers attached to the Criminal Investigations Department’s Commercial Crimes Division in Harare.
In a complaint dated 27 July 2026, the company alleged that Superintendent Dzimbanhete and Detective Assistant Inspector Chiripano instructed its legal representatives to ensure that Canterbury appeared at Rotten Row Criminal Court, despite the company not having been charged or having a warned-and-cautioned statement recorded.
Canterbury’s lawyers questioned the legal basis for requiring an uncharged party to attend criminal proceedings. They also raised concerns about the conduct of the investigation and the involvement of a Harare-based unit in a matter arising from Shamva, which falls under a different policing jurisdiction.
The allegations have not been independently verified. The officers named in the complaint referred questions to national police spokesperson Paul Nyathi, who said he was not familiar with the matter but would seek further information.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police acknowledged receipt of Canterbury’s complaint on 30 July 2026. In a letter signed by Commissioner C. Charumbira, Chief Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, the police said investigations had been opened and that the company would be informed of the outcome.
Commissioner Charumbira directed the Officer Commanding the Commercial Crimes Division to investigate the allegations and submit feedback and recommendations by 30 August 2026.
Korzim managing director Jairus Matsika defended the company’s decision to pursue the matter through the police. When contacted for comment, he said: “I have the right to report the matter wherever I want.”
Canterbury, meanwhile, maintains that the High Court orders give it the right to conduct its mining operations without interference. The company said it was concerned that its complaints had not received adequate protection despite the orders in its favour.
The investor also highlighted its contribution to the Shamva community, including the construction of Zvitokwe Primary School, a project it valued at US$1.2 million.
Canterbury said it would continue investing in Zimbabwe but asked the police leadership to investigate the conduct of the officers named in its complaint, suspend further action until the inquiry is completed and provide assurances that the company can continue its lawful operations safely.
The dispute comes as Zimbabwe continues to promote the country as an investment destination. The outcome of the police inquiry, together with compliance with the High Court’s orders, is likely to remain central to the parties’ next steps.
