Tolrose Mine has reportedly fallen victim to a violent takeover led by Jameson Rushwaya, a Zanu PF member. Accompanied by heavily armed associates, Rushwaya is accused of disarming site security, seizing six firearms, and looting property. This latest incident, which occurred last Friday, mirrors an illegal incursion from August last year for which Rushwaya is already facing legal proceedings.
The latest invasion on Friday follows a similar illegal incursion in August last year, for which Rushwaya faces court on Thursday.
Employees at the mine have been kidnapped, harassed, and robbed of personal belongings, including money and cellphones, raising alarm over the unchecked use of political influence in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
Rushwaya has been accused of invoking the names of prominent figures, including Zimbabwe Mining Federation President Henrietta Rushwaya and Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, in connection with the mine invasion dispute.
Both have publicly distanced themselves from his actions, stating that their names are being misused without authorisation.
The dispute, which has pitted Rushwaya against Patterson Timba, has been ongoing for some time, with Timba emerging victorious in court.
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A court order was issued, but Rushwaya allegedly ignored it and proceeded to enter the Tolrose mine with a group of heavily armed individuals on Friday night.
Mine security personnel were disarmed during the incursion, with six guns reportedly seized by Rushwaya’s thugs.
Attempts by Timba and his management team to report the repeated incidents to the police, including formal complaints lodged at police headquarters as far back as October last year, have reportedly yielded no results.
According to sources, the police have been instructed by the District Superintendent of Police (Dispol) not to react, even as Rushwaya and his team continue looting the mine.
The day in enforcement described by some observers as “highly suspicious.”
“It is a fundamental principle that no one is allowed to take the law into their own hands; no one is permitted to dispossess another forcibly or wrongfully, whether of movable or immovable property,” said a legal expert who preferred anonymity, emphasising the importance of respecting the law.
Jameson Rushwaya is expected to appear in court in Kadoma on Thursday to face charges related to the mine invasion and armed robbery.
“The respondents have effectively entered the mine without any permission from anyone,” said another source, condemning Rushwaya’s actions.
A senior government official called for serious investigations, lamenting that the use of influential names to break the law would not be tolerated.
“We will not tolerate name-dropping and abuse of power.
“There must be thorough investigations into these allegations, and those found culpable must face the full force of the law.
“Jameson Rushwaya’s actions are unacceptable and undermine the government’s efforts to maintain law and order,” said the official.
Recently, in a similar incident, the Bulawayo High Court ordered dozens of Zanu PF youths who invaded Vubachikwe Mine in Matabeleland South to vacate the property immediately, granting an urgent spoliation order in favour of the mine’s owners.
The ruling, delivered on 2 February, saw Justice Bongani Ndlovu direct six individuals – including Zanu PF Matabeleland South youth chairperson Moses Langa – to cease illegal mining activities.
Justice Ndlovu also ordered all those claiming occupation through them to leave the gold mine in Gwanda.
Both of these cases have prompted renewed scrutiny of the influence of powerful individuals in Zimbabwe’s mining sector and the importance of upholding the rule of law.