THE recent rains have exposed illegal mining by unscrupulous entrepreneurs, Chinese investors and artisanal miners at the Christmas Pass Mountain Range, after mudslides hit Hillcrest College and the nearby Toronto residential area in Penhalonga.
Last year, the government issued a directive to halt illegal mining operations in the area.
The move was intended to ensure mining activities complied with legal procedures while preventing environmental degradation and reducing health risks associated with unregulated operations.
Civil society organisations, led by the Centre for Natural Resources Governance (CNRG), protested illegal mining on the Christmas Pass Mountain Range last year, which temporarily halted activities.
Investigations by NewsDay, alongside CNRG executive director Farai Maguwu, revealed that mining continued at night, despite security guards attempting to block access. Chinese investors, as well as Farai Chimonyo and a man known as Chad, were reportedly seen at the site. Chimonyo is said to be the owner of the mine.
An official at the mine said there was a report on the mudslides.
“We have been here for several weeks, but the Chinese investors and our boss, Farai Chimonyo and Mr Chad are coming during the night to do mining,” he said.
“We are seeing mudslides going into the school and the Toronto residential area. If the rains continue, we are going to see a disaster.”
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A Hillcrest College member of staff, requesting anonymity, confirmed that the school had reported the matter to authorities.
“I am told they were stopped from mining, but during the night, there is machinery working on the mountain range because we hear the noise,” he said, referring further inquiries to the college’s board.
“We are certain that the respective authorities are aware of the mining taking place in Toronto. Yes, there are some mudslides, but they are yet to reach our blocks. However, if the rains continue and the mining then there is going to be a disaster.”
The once lush green slopes of the Christmas Pass Mountain Range, with its dense woodlands, are rapidly giving way to red soil scars and trenches. The erosion is visible from a distance, creeping dangerously close to telecommunications towers above Hillcrest.
Maguwu described the situation as a criminal matter.
“It is now up to the law enforcement to track this Chad guy and his Chinese partners in crime, so that they bring them to book because they have no right to profiteer and put the lives of other people at risk, and this is why the law should protect other people,” he said.
“Government must protect all those residents, professionals and scholars from these criminals who are continuing to weaken the structural integrity of Christmas Pass.”
Maguwu called for the prosecution of those behind the illegal mining.
Acting police spokesperson for Manicaland Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said police would carry out investigations.
