Staff Reporter
The state of affairs obtainig at Mazowe’s Jumbo Mine remains complex as they are marred by corruption, violence, and illegal activities however clarity over issues pertaining to employees terminal benefits must be made.
In this article, our publication will lay bare the issue to do with Jumbo Mine employees: salary arrears as well as expose those with the nefarious agenda hampering progression of mining activities at the largest gold deposit mine in Mazowe District, Mashonaland Central province.
First and foremost, 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 in appealing against the Labour Court ruling in favor of the company with fraudulent attempts of creating liability for the company to pay in United States Dollars (USDs)
Some appeals and dubious corporate rescue application were disregarded and dismissed by the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe, some were removed off the role by the Commercial Court of Zimbabwe
The company, Metallon Gold, committed to pay the owed salaries using bond notes, payment was made in the employee legal practitioner account in 2019 but some employees rejected to collect demanding payment in US dollars instead.
At the center of this current controversy is a character named Knowledge Rutavi, who claims to be a representative of former employees is daily accused of being a criminal with connections to high-ranking politicians.
His background remains 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 connection claims.
Rutavi is a known close associate of the Vice President Cde Kembo Mohadi , Politburo Member Senator Cde Omega Hungwe , high ranking Central Intelligence Officer Tapomwa and the ZRP Deputy Commissioner General Steve Mutamba
Also known by the alias name “Hungwe” uses his closeness to power to intimidate, terrorize and interfere with Jumbo Mine operations hence exploitation of the precious mineral resources is the hit Christmas song of self –appointed and untouchable prefect.
Resultantly, Jumbo 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 the guard and watch of the ZRP Support Unity whose constitutional core mandate is to protect and safeguard lives and properties.
Inside sources have revealed that, “the ZRP was contracted to provide mine security services in a deal amounting to over US$18K plus per month in return for the corporate security services.
“However the police response has been inadequate, to the extent where by senior ZRP Support Unity Chief Superintendent Marange has been fingered out in corruption and working with criminals in the ongoing illegal mining activities at Mazowe Metallon Mine,” said the source who on anonymity basis.
The Ministry of Mines and Mining and Development 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 the mine’s compliance and adherence to the mineral extraction laws difficult if not impossible.
From 2018 to date several deaths has been recorded due to ground degradation as a result of illegal mining activities by criminals claiming to be Zanu PF youths and other party officials such as Tichaona Chawana and his counterpart Loice Chenjerai who was convicted for contempt of a court order in July.
Furthermore, there are concerns about corruption and name-dropping, with politicians and criminals allegedly working together disguised and masquerading as representing the former employees interest in a justified political will yet in actual fact disregarding and undermining the fundamental principals of good governance, that’s Zimbabwe is open for business mantra, in line with the Vision 2030
The concerns of Mazowe Jumbo Mine’s former employees are multifaceted and alarming. It appears that these criminal individuals masquerading as former employees including Rutavi and 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 evading taxes.
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
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