A MINISTRY of Mines inspector has landed himself in the dock after he allegedly extorted $25 000 from a geologist to avert the closure of a Mazowe-based Chinese-owned mine that had many shortcomings.
BY MARY TARUVINGA
Gift Moyo yesterday appeared before magistrate Tendai Mahwe who released him on $100 bail after charging him with criminal abuse of office.
The company is being represented by Li Qianzhon, who is its secretary.
According to the State, sometime last month, Moyo and other two alleged accomplices went to the unidentified mine in Mazowe to carry out inspections.
The court heard the three approached the company’s geologist, a Dr Feng, and told him they wanted to inspect mine records as well as the site.
They did this in the presence of Feng and found mining explosives overstored by 50kg.
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The court heard the three then ordered company employees to load the explosives in their vehicle alleging it was an offence to overstore.
Moyo and his accomplices did not make any documentation after taking explosives weighing 200kg.
He purportedly told Feng to approach their offices the following day, which the latter did.
The following day, the mine manager, Salimu Garandi, director Phillip Mann and Qianzhon went to Moyo’s office at Zimre Centre in Harare.
Moyo then purportedly ordered Garandi to surrender his full blasting licence before telling the three to go out of his office, leaving their cellphones behind.
The court heard Moyo later demanded $25 000 alleging the mine was involved in illegal dealings and that he had gathered all evidence.
He brought to them allegations of overstocking mining explosives, improper setting of mining plans, threatening to cancel their permits and shutting down the mine.
The complainant then pleaded and offered to pay $10 000.
Moyo then threatened to tear the mine’s permit, prompting the complainant to give him $400.
He then asked when he was going to get the suggested $10 000.
The court heard the trio asked for time to prepare before the parties agreed to meet on June 12.
The three reported the case and a trap was set, leading to Moyo’s arrest. Moyo will be back in court on July 12.
