Online Reporter
Fidelis Munyoro
Chief Court Writer
THE High Court in Mutare has barred Zimbabwe Hanjin Mining (Private) Limited and two Chinese nationals from carrying out mining activities at Trust Mining Syndicate after a shareholder dispute.
The order was issued by Justice Sijabuliso Size on July 18, 2025, following an application by Mr Leonard Zvarevashe, who holds 25 percent stake in the syndicate.
Mr Zvarevashe sought an interdict to stop the first and second respondents — Hanjin Mining and Mr Bo Zhang from occupying and conducting any mining operations at the site.
He also asked the court to prevent the third respondent, Mr Edson Tendai Vunyungwi, from dealing with his shares in the syndicate.
The application was initially filed as an urgent matter, but was later heard as an ordinary application after the court ruled it was not urgent.
The court found that Trust Mining Syndicate was registered with four members, each holding equal shares. Two of the original members are deceased, and their estates are not represented. Mr Vunyungwi, who is the mine manager, invited Hanjin Mining Bo to repair mine shafts and allegedly promised them a majority shareholding.
Mr Zvarevashe did not consent to this arrangement. Justice Siziba ruled that Mr Vunyungwi did not have the authority to engage third parties without the consent of other shareholders or the representatives of the deceased estates.
The court found that the actions of Mr Vunyungwi were detrimental to the interests of Mr Zvarevashe and the deceased estates.
The court dismissed all preliminary objections raised by the respondents. It ordered Hanjin and Mr Bo and all those acting through them to vacate the mine and remove any assets or equipment.
Mr Vunyungwi was interdicted from entering into any arrangement that could affect Mr Zvarevashe’s rights without his consent.
The Sheriff and the police were authorised to enforce the order.
The first to fifth respondents were ordered to pay the costs of the suit.
