Former miners’ boss reclaims mine

Business Reporter
Former president of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation, Mr Trynos Nkomo has reclaimed ownership of Bunny’s Mine 2 in West Nicholson after the High Court in Bulawayo granted him an interim relief against Sifanjani Moyo who had invaded it.

Mr Nkomo pegged the claim on August 3 after which Ministry of Mines and Mining Development officials inspected it.  The Government formally allocated him the 10 hectare mining claim on September 9, registration number GA6665.  However, Moyo invaded the claim and seized 760 grammes of gold ore, prompting Mr Nkomo to approach the High Court.  Justice Martin Makonese granted the interim relief on September 16.

In papers at the High Court filed by Mr Nkomo’s lawyers Ncube and Partners Legal Practitioners, Moyo is cited as the first respondent, Matabeleland South Principal Mining Director, the officer in charge CID Minerals section and the officer in charge of police at West Nicholson are the second, third and fourth respondents respectively.

Moyo, his agents, nominees or employees were interdicted from going within 500metres of the mine.  He, together with the third and fourth respondents were also ordered to release the ore to Mr Nkomo.

“Moyo left the mine today (yesterday) in accordance with the interim order of September 16,” said Mr Nkomo yesterday.

“I have taken ownership of the mine which has created employment for 46 people including seven who are qualified in mining.  Moyo does not have papers to lodge a claim to the mine, absolutely nothing.

“He was just trying to use force to remove me from the mine.  I welcome the court order.  So the disturbances have ended and we are in the process of engaging a company to do the fencing of the mine for security purposes.  I have a record of selling gold to Fidelity Printers, contributing to national economic development.  I believe that Bunny’s Luck Mine 2 will create more jobs and help in developing the surrounding area.  I must say that this would be possible because we have a government that supports black involvement in an industry that was dominated by whites before 1980.  President (Robert) Mugabe and Zanu-PF want us to succeed.”